Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold exit meeting as private Arne Slot talks emerge

Trent Alexander-Arnold informed at the club's Kirkby training ground back during the March international break that he had decided to leave after setting his heart on a new challenge.

, 26, confirmed on Monday morning, which expires in June. The England star in the coming weeks after being pursued by the Spanish champions for months.

Speculation over Alexander-Arnold's future has been rife for months and there had been little in the way of updates on contract negotiations with the right-back.

But it has now emerged that all parties recognised Alexander-Arnold's mind was made up following a final meeting between the club's sporting director, Richard Hughes, and the player's representatives earlier this spring.

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It was then that Alexander-Arnold sought out Slot to explain his decision, citing his desire to experience a new challenge as the reason behind his exit. He is now expected to put pen to paper on a long-term contract with in the coming weeks.

Extending Alexander-Arnold's contract has been at the forefront of Hughes' mind since he arrived at Anfield. His first call, in fact, after agreeing to become the club's sporting director as he set about trying to get a deal done.

What do you make of Trent's decision?

But Alexander-Arnold's heart was set on a new challenge, even in spite of his love for Liverpool. He tried to express those feelings as best he could with a heartfelt message to supporters via Liverpool's in-house media team on Monday morning, saying: "There's a lot I would like to say [to the fans]. The main thing is a massive thank you. You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.

"I've felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I've loved every single minute of it. I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I've given everything I could to the club.

"I'm just hoping that we're able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn't take away from the fact of what we've achieved this season.

"It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done."

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