Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Real Madrid warning as star declares transfer dream

Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez has declared his dream to return to Real Madrid, putting further pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled since his move from Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been issued a stark warning by Bournemouth's Alex Jimenez, who may have his sights set on the Real Madrid position.

The right-back has openly expressed that it's his "dream" to once again don the Los Blancos jersey. Jimenez was part of Madrid's youth setup for more than 10 years before he transferred to AC Milan in 2024, without ever making an appearance for the senior squad.

In 2025, the Spanish defender joined Bournemouth initially on loan, and after impressing in the Premier League, the Cherries decided to make the move permanent last month. His rapid progress has naturally sparked rumors of a potential return to Madrid, speculation that the 20-year-old hasn't exactly dismissed.

"I'm fully focused on Bournemouth now. But in future, of course, I'd love to return to Real Madrid," Jimenez shared with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. "It's my home, I learned everything at Real Madrid. It'd be a dream to return there."

Such comments will likely unsettle Alexander-Arnold, whose transition to life at the Bernabeu has been less than seamless. The England defender completed his move from Liverpool last June.

Since his arrival, injury problems and stiff competition have curtailed his influence. Alexander-Arnold has predominantly served as backup right-back, first to Dani Carvajal and subsequently to Federico Valverde.

Alex Jimenez has impressed for Bournemouth this season(Image: Getty Images)

He's made just 12 appearances across all competitions thus far, registering only one assist, a stark contrast to the 13 he averaged per season while at Liverpool.

Given Madrid supporters' notoriously exacting standards, he can ill afford a prolonged settling-in period.

Valverde, ordinarily deployed in midfield, has adapted seamlessly to the right-back position, while up-and-coming talent David Jimenez - unrelated to Alex - has also caught the eye when given opportunities, creating additional hurdles for Alexander-Arnold's attempts to secure regular first-team soccer.

Club skipper Carvajal's contract expires this summer, which could prompt Real to bolster that area of the pitch.

Should Los Blancos venture into the market, Alex Jimenez - youthful, academy-developed, and thriving in England - might well emerge as a credible candidate.

On Sunday, Alexander-Arnold made his comeback after a two-month absence due to a muscle injury, coming off the bench in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Valencia.

It marked his debut appearance under newly-appointed manager Alvaro Arbeloa, the former Liverpool player who took charge following Xabi Alonso's dismissal in January – another ex-Anfield hero.

Whether Alexander-Arnold can establish himself as a regular starter remains to be seen. With fierce competition for places and little patience shown in the Spanish capital, any struggle to cement his position could leave his future at Madrid hanging in the balance.