Arsenal star Declan Rice reacts to Curtis Jones’ Liverpool message
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Arsenal’s Declan Rice are preparing themselves for next season’s Premier League title race.
The Merseyside giants finished 10 points above the Gunners last term to clinch their second top-flight title in five years.
But Arsenal have signed prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, giving them fresh hope that they can knock Arne Slot’s men off their perch.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also added further firepower to their ranks by acquiring former Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.
Rice reacts as Liverpool ace Jones shares pre-season message
Alongside the busy transfer windows, Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal and Liverpool are both enjoying pre-season tours of Asia.
Arne Slot’s men were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan on Saturday, 26 July, with goals for the Italian giants coming from Rafael Leao, former Chelsea man Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah Okafor’s brace.
Despite their loss to Max Allegri’s men, Jones’ message infers that the Liverpool squad remain in strong spirits.
The 24-year-old wrote on Instagram on Sunday, 27 July: “Thank you, Hong Kong!” , which attracted a like from Rice.
Jones is set to have less game time next season
Football Insider verdict
Slot’s arrival as Liverpool boss last summer heavily benefited Jones, who made more appearances last campaign than he did in any season under Jurgen Klopp.
| Curtis Jones stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 46 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 6 |
The England international made 46 appearances across all competitions last term, including 33 Premier League outings, notching three goals and six assists in the process.
However, Liverpool’s ambitious transfer activity this summer will likely mean that Jones plays fewer games next season.
The Reds have not acquired a new player in the homegrown talent’s position, but the arrival of playmaker Florian Wirtz should see Dominik Szoboszlai being deployed in a deeper role.
Jones already faces strong competition from Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, so adding the Hungary international into the mix will not be positive for the 24-year-old, who is vying to play for Thomas Tuchel’s England in next summer’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz has been backed to pass his medical amid strong interest from Bayern Munich in a Liverpool News 247 exclusive.