Liverpool's pre-season is underway but the club's transfer business is far from done
Curtis Jones of Liverpool looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
Curtis Jones has personally responded to rumours concerning his Liverpool future(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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Liverpool's pre-season has officially commenced as players start reporting for summer preparations today. However, it will be far from a complete squad as certain stars continue to enjoy their post-World Cup holidays.
Some players will be linking up with the pre-season activities in the United States after Andoni Iraola's side travel across the pond. And that includes any fresh recruits who may arrive at Anfield over the coming weeks.
There remains plenty of work to be completed as the Reds aim to deliver substantial improvements on last season's showing. The ECHO has gathered some of the latest developments as a crucial week in the summer calendar begins.
Jones responds to exit rumours
One player who could potentially vacate a spot in the engine room this summer is Curtis Jones. However, the homegrown talent has hinted he is going nowhere after responding to a recent transfer report.
Or at the very least, he has suggested a switch to Nottingham Forest is not on the cards. Jones, 25, took to social media to reply to a post claiming he was set to put pen to paper for Forest, responding with a sceptical raised-eyebrow emoji.
The post acted as a clear indication that Jones is unaware of any such move. And the fact he's prepared to make such a declaration on a public platform may suggest he's not particularly pleased with the speculation linking him with a departure from Anfield.
Nevertheless, it remains entirely possible the Reds will seek to offload Jones, who now has less than 12 months left on his deal. But it seems Forest aren't as near to securing a transfer as some reports might imply.
Arsenal reach Bruno agreement
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly agreed terms with Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool may need to act swiftly if they harbour any hopes of securing Bruno Guimaraes this summer. That follows reports Arsenal have agreed terms with the Brazilian to join them on a five-year contract.
The Reds are among the clubs associated with a move for Newcastle captain Guimaraes. However, Mikel Arteta's side appear to have stolen a march and are seemingly forging ahead with their own approach.
French daily L'Equipe has reported Guimaraes, 28, has agreed to join Arsenal on a contract running until 2031. However, there remains the considerable obstacle of persuading Newcastle to sanction a sale.
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The Magpies have no desire to lose their captain, particularly after midfield partner Sandro Tonali's departure to Tottenham. Nevertheless, it is alleged a deal could potentially be struck in the region of £76million.
It's reported Lyon, who sold Guimaraes to Newcastle in January 2022, hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause on the player. That would amount to a windfall of approximately £15m should the playmaker move on for £76m, leaving Newcastle with a reduced share of his transfer fee.
Arsenal reportedly had a £55m bid for Guimaraes rejected back in June. Yet the Magpies' rebuff seemingly did little to put the north Londoners off entirely.
Liverpool have already been connected with a host of midfield reinforcements this summer. However, it is conceivable an existing member of the midfield ranks may need to be offloaded should Iraola's side wish to make any late move for Guimaraes.