Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brief and turbulent spell at Real Madrid could be nearing an early end, following reports that manager Álvaro Arbeloa has advised the England international to consider leaving the club this summer.

According to El Nacional, Arbeloa has held direct talks with Alexander-Arnold, making it clear that the decision is purely sporting and not personal. The former Liverpool vice-captain, who joined Madrid as a free agent last summer, is reportedly not part of the club’s long-term plans.

Despite arriving without a transfer fee, Real Madrid are said to have paid around €10 million in compensation to Liverpool to ensure Alexander-Arnold was eligible for the Club World Cup. However, the move has yet to yield the expected impact on the pitch.

The 27-year-old’s time in Spain has been hampered by recurring injury setbacks, limiting his availability and making it difficult for him to cement a place in the starting XI. As a result, he has struggled for consistent minutes under both Xabi Alonso and now Arbeloa, with competition and tactical preferences working against him.

With Madrid already planning for the future, reports suggest Arbeloa believes it would be in Alexander-Arnold’s best interest to seek a fresh start elsewhere when the summer transfer window opens.

Opinion: Right Player, Wrong Moment?

Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid feels like a classic case of timing and fit going wrong rather than a lack of quality. Few would question his pedigree—he remains one of the most creative full-backs of his generation—but Real Madrid is not a club known for patience, especially when injuries disrupt early impressions.

Madrid’s system often demands defensive solidity first, while Alexander-Arnold’s greatest strengths lie in his attacking intelligence and playmaking from deep. Add injuries to the mix, and it becomes clear why the club may already be looking elsewhere.

That said, an exit might actually be the best move for both parties. For Alexander-Arnold, regular football in a system that maximizes his strengths could quickly revive his form and reputation. For Real Madrid, cutting losses early aligns with their ruthless, success-driven culture.

Sometimes, even the biggest names need the right stage—and Madrid, at least for now, may not be it.