Xabi Alonso has insisted he was happy with what he saw from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right back’s first outing for Real Madrid on Wednesday. Alexander-Arnold, whose free transfer from Liverpool was brought forward for the Club World Cup for a fee of €10 million (£8.

Arsenal and Real Madrid have been locked in a transfer battle for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi since the start of June. The Gunners have been tracking the Spain international for over 12 months - following his call to reject Liverpool last summer - with Mikel Arteta viewing him as a vital acquisition.

Alonso has already started making his mark on the Real squad but has reportedly demanded the exit of three key men, in order to make more additions at The Bernabeu