Real Madrid could reportedly consider allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave during the January transfer window if the England international continues struggling to secure regular playing time, with Chelsea said to be monitoring his situation ahead of a possible move.

According to reports from Madrid Universal and Bernabeu Digital, uncertainty surrounding the defender’s role under manager Jose Mourinho has raised questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, there has been no confirmation that Chelsea have submitted a formal offer.

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in 2025, signing a six-year contract that ties him to the Spanish club until 2031. Despite arriving with a strong reputation for his technical ability and exceptional passing range, the right-back has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter.

Chelsea have reportedly identified the 27-year-old as a potential reinforcement, with manager Xabi Alonso believed to be interested in working with the defender again following their previous association in Madrid.

One factor complicating Alexander-Arnold’s situation is Federico Valverde’s increasing importance in Mourinho’s tactical plans. The Uruguayan midfielder has recently been deployed at right-back, offering the manager another option despite midfield being his natural position.

Valverde featured in Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, while Alexander-Arnold remained on the bench. The selection decision highlighted the competition for places and the challenge facing the former Liverpool star as he attempts to secure a more prominent role.

His playing statistics also underline the difficulties he has encountered this season. Alexander-Arnold has made six appearances across all competitions during the 2026-27 campaign, accumulating 344 minutes on the pitch.

In La Liga, he has started three of his five appearances and played 265 minutes. Those figures suggest that, although he has received opportunities, he has yet to become a consistent fixture in Mourinho’s preferred lineup.

Chelsea’s reported interest is understood to reflect their desire to strengthen the right side of their team. Alonso could view Alexander-Arnold’s distribution, technical quality and experience as valuable assets if the club decides to pursue a transfer.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid are under no immediate contractual pressure to sell, given the defender’s agreement runs until 2031. Any negotiations would depend on several factors, including the club’s valuation, Alexander-Arnold’s own preferences and whether a suitable offer is received.

Despite his reduced involvement, the England international retains qualities that could benefit Real Madrid, particularly his ability to create opportunities through accurate passing and attacking deliveries from wide areas.

However, if his opportunities remain limited over the coming months, the Spanish giants could reassess his position within the squad.

For now, a January departure remains speculative. Chelsea have not made a confirmed formal bid, and Real Madrid have yet to indicate that they are prepared to sell. Alexander-Arnold’s performances and playing time before the winter transfer window could ultimately determine whether his future remains in Spain or takes him back to the Premier League.