Was this a hint about his future?
Arne Slot has responded to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal celebration in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham as rumours swirl about his future at the club.
Alexander-Arnold has just six months remaining on his Liverpool contract and in recent days speculation has grown that the 26-year-old has indicated that he wants to leave.
He has been linked with a move away to Real Madrid in the summer and reports in Spain suggest he has turned down offers of a contract extension from Slot’s side in favour of joining the Spanish giants.
However, after scoring in Liverpool’s 5-0 dismantling of West Ham at the London Stadium, he celebrated his goal by making a chatter gesture with his hands.
Slot was asked after the game if the England international’s contract situation was more negative than Mo Salah’s and Virgil Van Dijk’s who are also out of contract at the end of the season.
Slot responded: “No, I don’t think it’s negative at all. He’s playing really well.
“He scored a great goal and the way he celebrated his goal probably tells you enough.
“So I don’t think I have to say much more about it. I’m really happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo and with Virgil.
“So for me there’s no difference. For the outside world maybe there’s a bit more things happening around Trent in the media than with the other two, but I’m happy with all three at the moment.”
Contract negotiations are said to have stalled in recent weeks but the goal celebration could be interpreted as him dismissing the speculation around his future.
Alexander-Arnold has been tight lipped over his future and how he feels about the situation.
Meanwhile, Salah has been vocal about his frustrations over his contract situation.
The latest reports suggest that Liverpool have now made initial contact with Salah’s team over a contract extension but that the Egyptian is no closer to reaching an agreement with the club.
Earlier this month, 33-year-old Van Dijk was also offered a new deal but again, there has been no breakthrough in negotiations.
