Inter Milan’s long-standing chase for Curtis Jones could be nearing a turning point, with the Serie A club growing more confident a deal with Liverpool can be struck before the transfer window shuts.
The England international has sat near the top of Inter’s midfield wishlist all summer, though progress has been slowed by Liverpool’s asking price and the need for Cristian Chivu to first free up space in his squad. Talks now look to be gathering pace again, with Davide Frattesi’s situation shaping what happens next.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Jones has been Inter’s number one midfield target since May, and the club now believe a €35million package could get a deal over the line with Liverpool. The Nerazzurri aren’t ready to table their next formal bid just yet, though — they want Frattesi out the door first. Once that’s sorted, Romano says Inter plan to go back in for Jones before deadline day.
That figure marks a shift from earlier reporting: La Gazzetta dello Sport had suggested Liverpool wanted at least €40million, so the new €35million valuation points to Inter sensing room to negotiate a middle ground. Gazzetta also names Frattesi as the player most likely to leave to make way, with Inter valuing him at somewhere between €25million and €30million.
This has the feel of a deal building real momentum rather than just more transfer chatter. Jones would bring technical ability, energy and versatility to Inter’s midfield, capable of playing further forward as a No.8 or dropping deeper — either way giving Chivu another option comfortable taking the ball under pressure. Gazzetta frames him as the club’s top midfield choice, someone they see slotting naturally into their setup.
For Liverpool, it’s a trickier call. Jones is a homegrown product and a useful squad option, but cashing in for €35million would bring in a solid fee while letting him chase a bigger role elsewhere.
Frattesi’s next move remains the crucial piece of the puzzle. Inter are wary of overloading their midfield, so his departure is effectively what triggers Inter’s next move for Jones.
