Report: Reece James was Real Madrid’s first choice ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid’s summer swoop for Trent Alexander-Arnold may have generated plenty of headlines, but reports suggest the England international was not initially the club’s top target.

Chelsea captain Reece James was said to be the preferred option when Los Blancos first began exploring the right-back position.

According to Relevo, several members of the Madrid hierarchy felt James was the more natural successor to Dani Carvajal.

His defensive solidity, leadership at Chelsea, and ability to contribute in attack made him the prototype full-back Real Madrid were seeking. James was considered a more balanced profile than Alexander-Arnold, who has often drawn criticism for lapses in defensive concentration.

However, James’ injury history and Chelsea’s unwillingness to negotiate complicated any potential move. That hesitation opened the door for Alexander-Arnold, whose own contract situation at Liverpool was becoming increasingly uncertain.

Real Madrid’s sporting department eventually shifted focus, with Alexander-Arnold’s passing range, set-piece delivery, and on-ball creativity winning over key figures at Valdebebas.

Another decisive factor was Jude Bellingham’s close relationship with Alexander-Arnold. Real Madrid viewed their friendship as an advantage not just in persuading the defender to accept the move, but also in smoothing his adaptation to life in Spain.

With Bellingham already thriving at the Bernabéu, the club saw the pairing as both a footballing and cultural fit.

Since his arrival, Alexander-Arnold has quickly experienced the pressures of the Spanish media. Within seven games, he was already receiving criticism, though he answered back with an assured display just before the international break.

Xabi Alonso now faces the task of managing the transition from the dependable Carvajal to a very different type of right-back. For Madrid, it represents both a challenge and a luxury, as Alexander-Arnold offers a unique creative weapon in a role long defined by defensive reliability.