Barcelona held talks with representatives just a few months ago but scrapped plans for a move because of two reasons. Alexander-Arnold, 26, is running down his contract at and looks set to leave his boyhood club on a free transfer this summer.

It emerged on Tuesday that Barcelona's arch rivals, , have , who'll reportedly sign a lucrative five-year deal at the Bernabeu worth in excess of £220,000 per week. Spanish giants Real have always been the frontrunners to sign him and during the which Liverpool flatly rejected.

Real's powerbrokers didn't follow up on their offer and have gone down the free transfer route, convincing Alexander-Arnold to sign a pre-contract agreement in order to secure his signature. could've been in the fight, however, if not for a couple of factors. Spanish radio station report that Barca have considered signing Alexander-Arnold on multiple occasions.

The first instance was during and time at the Nou Camp. Then, earlier this season, Barcelona reignited their interest and held talks with the 26-year-old's representatives. Deco, who replaced Cruyff as the club's sporting director, organised a meeting to gauge the likelihood of a deal.

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Ultimately, Barcelona chiefs deemed that a move for Alexander-Arnold would be a non-starter due to the club's well-documented financial issues. In addition, the performances of Jules Kounde - a central defender by trade who's excelled at right-back under - weakened Barca's resolve.

Alexander-Arnold's wage demands and signing-on bonus would've made it a costly deal for the title chasers, who are going for the treble in the final two months of the season. A new right-back is still on Deco's wish-list ahead of the , with cheaper alternatives such as star Andrei Ratiu and Vanderson both linked.

Would Barcelona be a better fit for Trent Alexander-Arnold? Have your say in the .

It'd have been exciting to see Alexander-Arnold as part of Flick's side, where the full-backs are encouraged to forward and combine with Barcelona's formidable attacking trident of Lamine Yamal, and . Battling Real and for the LaLiga title, Barca are currently top of the table by three points after winning their game in hand at home to on Thursday 3-0.

As for Liverpool, they'll welcome to Anfield in a clash next Wednesday and Alexander-Arnold could be in for a frosty reception following this week's news. Liverpool haven't commented on the reports but Real boss will face the media on Friday and no-doubt be asked about Alexander-Arnold.

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