Inter Milan Eyes Curtis Jones as Liverpool’s Price Tag Remains a Stumbling Block
Inter Milan is intensifying its pursuit of Curtis Jones, a player they have considered a long-term target. The Serie A club initially attempted to acquire the England international in January; however, Liverpool declined to proceed with the transfer, keeping the 25-year-old on Merseyside, where he has been utilized primarily as a fringe player under Arne Slot.
In recent weeks, Jones has been deployed as a right-back, a role he does not favor, as he seeks more opportunities in midfield. With his contract set to expire in 2027 and no discussions regarding an extension on the horizon, a transfer appears to be on the cards.
Inter Needs to Meet Liverpool’s Valuation for Jones
The prospect of Jones joining Inter hinges on the club’s ability to meet Liverpool’s asking price. Reports from Italy indicate that Liverpool seeks €40 million for the midfielder and is unwilling to negotiate on the fee. Inter has faced challenges in terms of finances, as they appear hesitant to reach the requested amount, especially for a player whose contract is nearing its end.
Another complication arises from the financial constraints facing the Italian champions. Inter was counting on generating funds through the proposed sale of Davide Frattesi and other players to support the acquisition of Jones.
Frattesi Leaves for Bargain Fee
However, Inter has encountered setbacks concerning Frattesi, who has now agreed to an initial €5 million loan deal with Lazio, which includes a permanent option priced at only €10 million. This situation has prompted reports that Inter must offload additional players before making another approach for Jones.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the sale of Frattesi has allowed for a midfield vacancy but has not yielded the expected financial resources necessary for the deal. The report elaborates, “After recalibrating the deal due to unfolding issues, the initial loan has been set at €5 million instead of the anticipated €1 million, while the buy option stands at €10 million.”
To enhance their chances of securing Jones, Inter may need to bolster their financial position further.
€30m Luis Henrique Deal Could Enable Push for Jones
In the mix is Brazilian wing-back Luis Henrique, who has caught the attention of Roma and several Premier League clubs. Inter values Henrique around €30 million, which could potentially provide the funds necessary for the club to intensify its interest in Jones, a move specifically requested by Inter’s coach, Cristian Chivu.
As it stands, the situation remains fluid, with a late push for Jones contingent upon Inter’s ability to secure the funds through potential transfers.
Curtis Jones has been a long-term target for Inter Milan.
The Nerazzurri first tried for the England international back in January but Liverpool opted against doing a deal. The playmaker remained on Merseyside – albeit as a fringe player under Arne Slot.
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Jones, 25, featured at right-back towards the end of the Dutchman’s reign – and it’s no secret he would prefer a bigger role in midfield.
With a contract expiring in 2027 and no renewal on the horizon a parting of the ways seems inevitable.
Inter need to reach Liverpool valuation for Jones
That of course is dependent on whether or not Inter can meet Liverpool’s asking price. Italian reports have suggested that the Merseysiders want €40m for Jones and are not prepared to compromise on the fee.
Inter have been struggling to match that money – and seem reluctant to go that high for a player out of contract in less than 12 months.
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Another complicating factor has been a relative lack of funds on the part of the Italian champions. They had been hoping to raise enough money through the sale of Davide Frattesi – among others.
Frattesi leaves for bargain fee
But Inter have taken a massive hit on what they thought they could achieve for the Italian international midfielder. Frattesi has tied up an initial €5m loan deal with Lazio – with a permanent option attached for only €10m.
That’s according to a report in Corriere dello Sport which claims that Inter now need to sell other players before moving in for Jones once again.
“Frattesi has freed up a spot in midfield, but hasn’t provided the hoped-for resources: after the need to recalibrate the deal following the hitches that emerged yesterday morning, the initial loan has been €5 million, instead of just €1 million, with an option to buy set at €10 million,” the report reads.
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“Thus, to ensure greater certainty in completing the Jones mission, Inter may need to gather more “ammunition.”
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€30m Luis Henrique deal will give Inter enough money to sign Jones
The new player in question is Brazilian wing-back Luis Henrique – who is wanted by Roma as well as teams in the Premier League.
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“Regardless of Luis Henrique, Inter will definitely make a move for Jones, a player specifically requested by Chivu,” the report reads.
Inter value Luis Henrique at around €30m including fees and bonuses and that could sale could put enough in the cash register in order to facilitate a late push for Jones.
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