The football world is abuzz with transfer speculation, and at the heart of the storm is Liverpool’s talismanic right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 26-year-old England international, whose contract with the Premier League leaders expires in the summer of 2025, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. As Liverpool brace for the potential departure of their hometown hero, a new twist has emerged: Manchester City have stormed into pole position to sign Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, a versatile defender touted as the “ideal” replacement for Alexander-Arnold. The news has left Liverpool reeling, as their rivals threaten to steal a march in the race for the Italian star.
Cambiaso, a 25-year-old full-back capable of playing on either flank, has been a standout performer for Juventus this season. With 30 Serie A appearances, two goals, and two assists, his blend of athleticism, technical prowess, and tactical flexibility has caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs. Liverpool had identified him as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold, whose unparalleled passing range and set-piece mastery have defined Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot. However, Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, have been working on a deal for Cambiaso since January, according to sources close to the transfer market. “Man City are in the driving seat,” one insider noted, highlighting the club’s determination to secure a long-term successor for Kyle Walker, whose loan to AC Milan includes an option to buy.
The stakes are high for both clubs. Liverpool, currently atop the Premier League and Champions League tables, face the daunting prospect of replacing a player who has redefined the right-back role. Alexander-Arnold’s 85 assists and 19 goals in 327 appearances for the Reds underscore his unique contribution, and his recent match-winning strike against Leicester City—described by Slot as a moment when “he knows how to step up”—only amplifies his importance. Yet, with Real Madrid circling and no contract extension finalized, Liverpool are proactively scouting alternatives. Cambiaso’s ability to mirror Alexander-Arnold’s explosive runs down the right and contribute in both attack and defense made him a top target, but City’s aggressive pursuit has complicated their plans.
For Manchester City, the pursuit of Cambiaso is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad. With Walker’s departure looming and makeshift options like Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis filling in at right-back, Guardiola sees Cambiaso as a perfect fit for his possession-based system. The Italian’s versatility, honed under Thiago Motta at Juventus, allows him to seamlessly transition between defensive and attacking roles, much like Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. City’s interest predates their current campaign, with Guardiola reportedly refusing to “give up” on the player after a failed January move. Juventus, aware of the growing demand, have lowered their asking price to around €40-45 million, a figure that could tempt City to act swiftly.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are not without options. The club has high hopes for 21-year-old Conor Bradley, who has impressed as Alexander-Arnold’s understudy. “We back Conor to be Trent’s successor,” a club insider revealed, pointing to Bradley’s dynamic performances this season. However, the loss of Cambiaso to City would be a bitter pill, especially given the rivalry between the two clubs. Alexander-Arnold himself has downplayed City’s title chances in the past, noting, “I have always said that if you have ever got the chance to beat City, it is only before Christmas.” His confidence reflects Liverpool’s dominance, but City’s transfer market maneuverings could shift the balance of power.
The transfer saga is set to intensify as the summer window approaches. Juventus, encouraged by the interest from both Premier League giants, may leverage the bidding war to maximize Cambiaso’s value. For Liverpool fans, the prospect of losing Alexander-Arnold—whose “vicious left-foot strike” against Leicester sparked wild celebrations—is tempered by the hope that Slot’s recruitment team can outmaneuver City. Cambiaso’s potential arrival would soften the blow, but with City “thundering ahead,” Liverpool must act decisively to secure their future at right-back.
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