Wenger on Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid Move: “That’s what they did with Mbappé too.”

Arsène Wenger has weighed in on one of the summer’s most high-profile transfer stories — Trent Alexander-Arnold’s imminent move to Real Madrid — framing it as part of a growing and irreversible trend in elite football: the rise of free transfers among top players.

Speaking to BeIN Sports France, the former Arsenal manager highlighted how soaring wages and financial constraints have forced a shift in how elite clubs do business. “I think Trent’s transfer shows a new trend in the game,” Wenger said. “There are no more transfers of the big players. They all leave at the end of their contract. The wages are so high that it’s no longer possible to pay the transfers!”

After confirming his departure from Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is expected to become Real Madrid’s latest marquee free-agent acquisition — following in the footsteps of David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and most recently, Kylian Mbappé. All arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu at zero cost in terms of transfer fees, but with substantial wage packages negotiated ahead of time.

Wenger pointed out that Real Madrid’s strategy is not accidental, but calculated and long-term. “Real Madrid contacted Alexander-Arnold a long, long time ago,” he explained. “Big clubs do this. Two years before the end of the contract, they tell you: ‘We want to sign you, we’ll give you this salary, and we’ll try to make an offer to your club.’ If it doesn’t work out, they come back next year, and if not, they’ll sign you for free. That’s what they did with Mbappé.”

This practice has become increasingly common as financial fair play regulations, post-pandemic economic pressures, and inflated wage demands have changed the market. Rather than splashing out huge transfer fees, top clubs are now focusing on planning further ahead, offering players lucrative personal terms and promising long-term success.

For Liverpool, the loss of a homegrown, world-class talent like Alexander-Arnold — without a transfer fee — is a painful blow. Wenger acknowledged the sporting void the 26-year-old will leave at Anfield. “He’s a creative full-back, and very difficult to replace,” Wenger said.

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