Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly interested in purchasing Ligue 1 outfit FC Nantes.
Along with his family, the right-back has explored the possibility of club ownership previously and an opportunity to take that step appears to have arisen, just months after Kylian Mbappe became a major shareholder at Ligue 2 outfit SM Caen.
According to L’Equipe, Alexander-Arnold previously looked into buying AS Saint-Etienne, but the England international and his family are now showing an interest in FC Nantes.
A video conference has been held between the group and current owner Waldemar Kita, who is said to have initiated talks after a member of his entourage contacted the Liverpool defender to explain that he was looking to sell the club.
Kita, a French businessman, has grown tired of owning the French side and would be keen to strike a deal with a new ownership group, which was reportedly relayed to Alexander-Arnold and Co.
The defender then made an offer worth an initial £67million, plus £16.7m further down the line. The verbal proposal also included an additional £33.5m worth of add-ons which could be activated whilst Alexander Arnold was at the helm of the La Beaujoire Stadium outfit.
Kita responded by seeking an external audit of the club before deciding to reject the defender’s initial offer. Another meeting was then held in London on Thursday to discuss the rejection and speak further about a potential deal.
However, the public nature of those talks has taken its toll on negotiations. Kita is reportedly denying that fresh talks have been held about selling FC Nantes and is ‘furious’ that the entire affair has played out in the public eye.
The current owner is so angry with the ‘leaks’ that he has now decided to call off talks with Alexander-Arnold and his group entirely and it is unclear whether those negotiations can be reignited.
Alexander-Arnold has already delved into the world of investing in sports teams previously. He is a minority shareholder in French Formula 1 team Alpine and has also explored the possibility of purchasing Le Havre, as well as Saint-Etienne, before opting against the idea.
The defender is out of contract with Liverpool at the end of the season and has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid in recent months.
