Trent Alexander-Arnold's challenging first season at Real Madrid has sparked speculation about a move to Arsenal, with Teddy Sheringham suggesting Mikel Arteta could unlock his potential.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid last summer was met with high expectations, but his debut season in Spain proved to be a struggle. With just 14 La Liga starts and only five assists across all competitions, the 27-year-old full-back faced a difficult campaign marked by injuries and dressing room turmoil.
The former Liverpool star’s exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad added to the speculation about his future. Now, former England striker Teddy Sheringham has suggested that a move to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta could be the key to reviving Alexander-Arnold’s career.
Alexander-Arnold’s Struggles at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold’s transition to La Liga was far from smooth. His first season saw him complete 90 minutes on just 10 occasionsa stark contrast to his impressive numbers at Anfield. The sacking of manager Xabi Alonso and the club’s failure to win major silverware further highlighted the challenges he faced.
The full-back’s defensive shortcomings, which have been a topic of debate throughout his career, were exacerbated in Spain. Despite his offensive prowess, Alexander-Arnold has never been considered as defensively solid as his peers. This defensive vulnerability, combined with his injury problems, led to his omission from the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Sheringham’s Insights on a Potential Arsenal Move
Sheringham believes that Alexander-Arnold’s unique qualities could be harnessed in the right system. Speaking to BOYLE Sportsthe former Manchester United icon suggested that Arsenal’s structured back four could provide the stability Alexander-Arnold needs.
‘Could we see Trent Alexander-Arnold back in the Premier League? Liverpool fans might not want him back so it does narrow down where he could go, doesn’t it,’ Sheringham said. He acknowledged that Alexander-Arnold doesn’t immediately strike one as an Arsenal player but believes the club’s organized defensive unit could work for him.
Sheringham drew parallels with Harry Maguire at Manchester Unitedhighlighting that even top defenders can look out of place in a disorganized system. He suggested that Alexander-Arnold’s offensive contributions could add an ‘extra dimension’ to Arsenal’s game if he is coached to improve his defensive positioning.
The Future Under Jose Mourinho
Alexander-Arnold’s future at Real Madrid is further complicated by the impending arrival of Jose Mourinho as the club’s new manager. The Portuguese tactician’s defensive approach could either help or hinder Alexander-Arnold’s development. Additionally, the signing of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan adds another layer of competition for the right-back position.
Despite these challenges, Alexander-Arnold has expressed his commitment to the club. In an Instagram post at the end of the season, he thanked the fans for their support and vowed to bring trophies back to the club next season. However, with Arsenal potentially in the market for a new right-back, the speculation about a move to north London is unlikely to fade away.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Alexander-Arnold’s next move. Whether he stays at Real Madrid and fights for his place under Mourinho or seeks a new challenge in the Premier Leagueone thing is clear: his career is at a crossroads. With the right coaching and system, Mikel Arteta could be the key to unlocking the full potential of one of England’s most talented full-backs.
