Liverpool supporters should be happy for Trent Alexander-Arnold as he nears his move to Real Madrid , according to Paul Merson . Alexander-Arnold’s current contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of June and it’s been widely reported that he has agreed a deal in principle to join Real on a free transfer. Real have been courting Alexander-Arnold for months and had a £20million offer rejected in the January transfer window by the Reds. They are now confident that the England international will join on a five-year deal worth around £12.5m-a-year in the summer transfer window, despite suggestions that Liverpool could match those figures . Reports that he is off to Madrid in the summer have been met with anger by some in the Liverpool fanbase, with one videoing himself burning Alexander-Arnold’s No.66 shirt on social media. Having been born in Liverpool and come through the club’s academy, some clearly feel that the 26-year-old should remain loyal. But former Arsenal midfielder Merson has a very different take on the situation. He told Sky Sports : “I don't know what the problem is. He's come through there, he's been unbelievable. He's won everything in the game there, at Liverpool, and he's going to go on a free. “Look at Antony, he's just been bought by Man United for £80million [in 2022] and he's now out on loan and no one says a dicky bird. This lad has been absolutely outstanding for Liverpool. He hasn't come in as a £60m flop. He's been through the ranks, he's come into the team, he's been phenomenal. And it's Real Madrid. Do you know what I mean? “He's won the league [in 2020]. He's going to win the Premier League with Liverpool again [this season]. He's won the Champions League [in 2019], and I don't see a problem with it. I really don't. “I don't know anybody in the world of football who's ever turned Real Madrid down, I don't. Fair play to the lad, good luck to him. I think Liverpool fans should be happy for him. He's given everything for that club and I think he deserves that move, in my opinion.” HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Trent Alexander-Arnold be allowed to leave Liverpool with the fans' blessing? Comment below . Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are in similar positions to Alexander-Arnold, with their current deals close to expiring. Speculation over their futures at Anfield has died down in recent weeks, but it seems that the right-back’s local links make his situation a more emotive one for supporters. Whatever happens in the summer, the star trio are about to help secure the Premier League title in the first season under Arne Slot ’s management. Liverpool are 12 points clear of Arsenal with nine games left to play and no other competitions to focus on. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.