Liverpool information: £76m World Cup ace reaches settlement as star addresses switch claims
Liverpool are back in pre-season training as the Reds gear up for the new campaign, but it’s new signings that are the main talking point as the transfer window heats up
Andoni Iraola’s first transfer window at Liverpool is underway
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are officially under way as players start returning for summer training today but its new signings that fans are desperate to see.
It won’t be anywhere near a complete squad yet, as certain stars continue 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 jet off across the Atlantic.
That includes any fresh signings who might join the Anfield ranks in the forthcoming weeks, with a huge overhaul behind the scenes at the Premier League giants. There’s still substantial work to be completed as the Reds seek to deliver significant improvements on last season’s dismal showing. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Arsenal reach Bruno agreement
Liverpool may have lost out on landing Bruno Guimaraes this summer as the Reds are yet to find a new midfielder.
This follows claims Arsenal have struck personal terms with the Brazilian to join them on a five-year deal, reports the Mirror.
The Reds are among the clubs who have been connected with a swoop for Guimaraes. They were said to have joined Manchester United in making an approach for the Magpies talisman.
Yet Mikel Arteta’s outfit appear to have seized the advantage and are reportedly forging ahead with their own approach.
French publication L’Equipe has claimed Guimaraes, 28, has agreed to join Arsenal on a contract running through to 2031. Nevertheless, there remains the considerable obstacle of persuading Newcastle to sanction a departure.
The Magpies are reluctant to lose their skipper, particularly following midfield colleague Sandro Tonali’s departure to Tottenham. Nevertheless, it’s claimed a transfer could be completed for approximately £76million.
It’s believed Lyon, who offloaded Guimaraes to Newcastle in January 2022, possess a 20% sell-on clause for the player. That would represent a windfall of roughly £15m should the playmaker be sold for £76m, leaving Newcastle with a reduced portion of his transfer fee.
Arsenal reportedly saw a £55m bid for Guimaraes rejected in June. Yet, it appears the Magpies’ knockback wasn’t sufficient to put off the north Londoners entirely.
Jones addresses departure speculation
One contender to create space in the engine room by leaving Liverpool this summer is Curtis Jones.
However, the academy graduate has indicated he’s staying put after addressing a recent transfer story – or he’s at least suggested a switch to Nottingham Forest isn’t on the cards.
Jones, 25, turned to social media and responded to a post claiming he was set to join Forest, sharing a sceptical-looking emoji displaying a raised eyebrow in reply.
The post acted as a fairly clear indication that Jones is unaware of such a move and the prospect of him accepting such a huge step down from Anfield seems unrealistic.
However, it remains entirely possible the Reds will seek to offload Jones, who is now entering the final year of his contract.
