Trent Alexander-Arnold clarifies Nantes takeover bid and stance on football ownership

Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold has been caught up in wild speculation over a €100m bid to buy French club Nantes, but it turns out the rumours are wide of the mark. Despite reports from France suggesting the Reds’ right-back was leading a consortium, including his father, to purchase the Ligue 1 outfit from current owner Waldemar Kita, these claims have been dismissed.

The supposed deal was said to include an €80m cash offer for Nantes, with an additional €20m in seller credit and bonuses amounting to around €40m. The England international was also linked with interest in acquiring other French teams such as Saint-Etienne and Le Havre.

However, the Liverpool Echo has quashed the gossip, citing sources close to Alexander-Arnold who have stated that the tales of his involvement in a takeover are “not true at all”.

While Alexander-Arnold’s purported venture into football club ownership has been debunked, Nantes may still change hands in the near future. Club president Kita admitted last year he’s open to selling if the right offer comes along.

Yet, he expressed scepticism regarding a proposal from ex-Nantes goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, telling RMC: “If someone feels as though they can carry the club financially and give reassurances, and that they are the best, I am open to it, no problem.

“I am open to all propositions but it has to be serious. You can’t sell or buy the club via the media. It’s not serious. Some things have gone too far. Mr. Landreau came to my office 7 years ago.

“He wanted to be delegate president of the club including my son [Franck, now delegate general director of Nantes]. I said no and 15 days later he was manager of Lorient. What did my son do wrong? He clearly has a higher level than these kinds of characters. Mr. Landreau, this isn’t serious.”

Nantes are currently in fifth place in Ligue 1 after a promising start to the season. They’ve secured two victories from their first four games and will face Angers away this weekend.

Despite Alexander-Arnold not becoming the new owner of the club, he still has a significant decision to make about his future. The right-back’s contract expires at the end of the season, making him eligible to leave Liverpool on a free transfer next summer.

Real Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse, is one of the clubs interested in him. They’ve set their sights on him as part of their strategy to recruit Premier League talent next summer, with Rodri, William Saliba and Cristian Romero also on their radar.