Inter are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of Curtis Jones, but the Serie A giants must first secure key outgoings—most notably the sale of Davide Frattesi to Nottingham Forest—and await movement from Manchester City before lodging an improved bid for the Liverpool midfielder.
The Nerazzurri have identified Jones as their top target to bolster the engine room this summer, but with Liverpool demanding a fee in the region of €40 million for the 25-year-old—who has entered the final year of his Anfield contract—the Italian champions need to raise significant funds. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are banking on a chain of transfer dominoes that starts in the Premier League to unlock the deal.
Inter’s Jones conundrum and Liverpool’s valuation
The Merseyside club’s stance has been firm: despite Jones’s contract situation, they will not be forced into a cut-price sale. While some earlier reports in Italy suggested a fee closer to €30 million could be enough, English sources indicate Liverpool’s asking price is €40 million. That disparity has left Inter needing to be creative.
Complicating matters is Inter’s own aggressive spending. The club are already poised to complete the signing of wing-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth over €50 million, a move that has only heightened the urgency to balance the books. Sales are imperative, and Frattesi is the most obvious candidate to generate the necessary cash.
Frattesi to Forest: the key that unlocks the deal?
The Italy international has attracted concrete interest from Nottingham Forest, who are reportedly ready to submit an offer of €25 million plus add-ons. Inter value Frattesi at €30 million, but the Premier League side’s willingness to negotiate suggests a deal is within reach.
Securing that fee would put Inter within touching distance of Liverpool’s asking price, but the Serie A outfit are determined not to overpay for Jones. They want to see whether Forest formalise their bid before moving decisively—and they are also keeping a close eye on activity at Manchester City.
The Man City domino and other outgoings
Reports in Italy suggest that a separate transfer involving Manchester City—possibly the arrival of a player identified as “Anderson” from an unnamed club—could trigger a broader reshuffle that indirectly frees up surplus options at Inter or impacts the market for Frattesi. While details remain vague, the Nerazzurri are monitoring the situation closely, aware that any additional Premier League spending could accelerate movements.
Beyond Frattesi, Inter are expected to listen to offers for several fringe players. The club’s ability to fund the Jones operation hinges on multiple departures, and sporting director Piero Ausilio is working to ensure that the final week of June brings the necessary breakthroughs.
Quick Facts
Inter target: Curtis Jones
Liverpool asking price: €40m (some sources claim €30m)
Key sale to fund move: Davide Frattesi to Nottingham Forest
Forest offer expected: €25m + add-ons (Inter value at €30m)
Other spending: Marco Palestra from Atalanta for >€50m
Key Takeaways
- Inter are determined to sign Curtis Jones but must first raise funds through player sales.
- Nottingham Forest’s bid for Davide Frattesi is central to Inter’s financial plan.
- Liverpool have set a €40m price tag, though Inter hope to negotiate closer to €30m.
- Activity involving Manchester City in the transfer market could influence the timeline.
- The Nerazzurri face a delicate balancing act as they also finalise the expensive capture of Marco Palestra.