Trent Alexander-Arnold denies £84m bid for French club investment

Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool defender, has been linked to a potential investment in the French football club Nantes, with reports suggesting a bid of €100 million (£84 million). This bid reportedly includes €80 million (£67 million) upfront and €20 million (£17 million) in seller credit, with additional bonuses potentially reaching €40 million (£34 million). However, sources close to Alexander-Arnold have dismissed these claims as false, indicating that he has not made any such bid. The speculation arose after a meeting between Alexander-Arnold's father, Michael, and Nantes owner Waldemar Kita, which took place in London. This meeting followed previous discussions that began over a year ago, including a video call last summer and an in-person meeting in Geneva. Despite the ongoing talks, the Kita family has denied any interest in selling the club, which has been under Kita's ownership since 2007. Kita's tenure has faced challenges, particularly regarding the club's sporting and financial struggles, which have led to a decline in his popularity among Nantes fans. The club did experience a moment of success by winning the Coupe de France two years ago, but the overall sentiment towards Kita has soured over time. As Nantes currently sits fifth in Ligue 1 after a decent start to the season, the future of the club remains uncertain. The reported bid from Alexander-Arnold, although denied, highlights the ongoing interest in football investments and the complexities involved in club ownership discussions.