Liverpool's pre-season is officially underway as players begin reporting for summer training. However, the squad is far from full strength as several stars are still on post-World Cup breaks. Some players will join the pre-season tour in the United States after Andoni Iraola's team flies across the Atlantic, potentially including new additions who may join the Anfield cause in the coming weeks.
With plenty of business still to be done as the Reds aim to make major improvements on last season, Mirror Football has compiled the latest headlines as an important week in the summer calendar gets underway.
Arsenal Reach Bruno Agreement
Liverpool may need to act quickly if they are to have any chance of signing Bruno Guimaraes this summer, following reports that Arsenal have agreed terms with the Brazilian on a five-year contract. The Reds are among the clubs linked with Guimaraes, but Mikel Arteta's side appears to have taken the initiative.
French newspaper L'Equipe reports that Guimaraes, 28, has agreed to join Arsenal on a deal running until 2031. However, a significant hurdle remains: convincing Newcastle United to sell. The Magpies are reluctant to part ways with their captain, especially after midfield partner Sandro Tonali already departed for Tottenham. Nonetheless, a deal could be struck for around £76 million.
It is understood that Lyon, who sold Guimaraes to Newcastle in January 2022, hold a 20% sell-on clause. That would net Lyon roughly £15 million if the playmaker is sold for £76 million, leaving Newcastle with a smaller fee. Arsenal reportedly had a £55 million offer for Guimaraes rejected in June, but the Magpies' refusal did not deter the north Londoners.
Liverpool have been linked with several midfield reinforcements this summer. However, an existing member of the midfield unit may need to be sold if Iraola's side is to make a late move for Guimaraes.
Jones Responds to Exit Rumours
One candidate to free up a midfield slot is Curtis Jones. The homegrown star has suggested he is going nowhere after responding to a recent transfer report. Jones, 25, took to social media to reply to a post claiming he was set to sign for Nottingham Forest, posting a skeptical emoji with a raised eyebrow.
The response signals that Jones is unaware of such a move, and his willingness to comment publicly may indicate he is not keen on exit rumours. However, it remains plausible that the Reds will look to sell Jones, who is now in the final 12 months of his contract. But Forest appears not as close to agreeing a move as some reports suggest.
