Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, a move that would provide direct competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Netherlands international is said to have a release clause of just £17 million, which Madrid are prepared to trigger.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, joined Madrid last summer and became a regular starter after rotating with Dani Carvajal. Carvajal is set to leave when his contract expires, leaving Alexander-Arnold as the only right-back at the club—until now. Dumfries, 30, is not expected to join as a backup, meaning Alexander-Arnold will face renewed competition for his place.
According to The Athletic, Madrid have made Dumfries their top target in the right-back position. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and the deal is likely to be announced once Florentino Perez wins the club's presidential election this weekend. Other outlets report that an agreement has already been reached, pending Perez's re-election.
Should Perez lose to challenger Enrique Riquelme, both the Dumfries deal and a potential move for Ibrahima Konate could be in jeopardy. Jose Mourinho's possible return as coach also hinges on the election outcome. However, Perez is heavily favoured to secure an eighth term.
Alexander-Arnold may hope Dumfries takes time to adapt to Spanish football, having never played outside Italy and the Netherlands. The Englishman acknowledged his own adjustment period in an Instagram post, saying it took him a few months to find rhythm. He also suffered two significant injuries in his debut season, playing 30 times across all competitions, which may explain Madrid's desire for another right-back.
