Inter’s Continued Pursuit of Jones
Inter Milan is reportedly preparing a new offer for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, despite previous bids being rejected. The Nerazzurri have expressed interest in the player throughout the summer transfer window.
According to reports, Inter had a €25million bid for Jones turned down in June, followed by a second offer of €32m which was also rejected by Liverpool. The English club is understood to be seeking a transfer fee closer to €40m for the midfielder.
Inter is said to have contacted Liverpool through intermediaries, indicating their readiness to submit a fresh offer in the region of €35m. This proposed amount, however, still falls short of Liverpool’s valuation, which is reportedly influenced by the fee Tottenham paid for Conor Gallagher in January.
The Italian club’s directors have reportedly assured Cristian Chivu that they will continue their efforts to sign Jones, who is considered Chivu’s top target for central midfield. Despite their determination, Inter is reportedly unwilling to meet Liverpool’s €40m asking price.
Inter remains confident that Liverpool may eventually lower their demands, especially as Jones is entering the final year of his contract. The club’s leadership, including Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio, are reportedly working on transfers from Italy while the team is on a pre-season tour.
Jones’s Position at Liverpool and Recent Events
Curtis Jones, an academy product from Kirkby, is currently in the last year of his contract with Liverpool. He is reportedly considering a move to become a first-choice option elsewhere, as he is currently behind players like Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield pecking order at Anfield.
Recent events have also drawn attention to Jones’s situation. During a match, an animated discussion reportedly occurred between Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai. This incident reportedly stemmed from Szoboszlai’s decision to hand the captain’s armband to Tsimikas when he was substituted with 15 minutes remaining.
The discussion between Jones and Szoboszlai reportedly became heated as they walked off the pitch, with Tsimikas seen throwing the armband on the ground. The argument continued as they made their way to the changing rooms, with Jeremie Frimpong reportedly attempting to mediate.
It is not yet clear whether Liverpool is willing to sell Jones this summer. The club is also reportedly looking to strengthen its squad, particularly in defensive options, and has yet to replace Mohamed Salah.
Inter’s Transfer Strategy
Inter’s interest in Jones aligns with their broader transfer strategy. The club recently completed a deal to sign free agent John Stones, who is reportedly undergoing medical tests in Milan. Reports suggest Inter is impressed by Napoli’s success in acquiring Premier League players like Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.
The Serie A champions are reportedly hoping that Jones will join his compatriot Stones at San Siro this summer. To accommodate new signings like Jones, Inter is looking to offload some of their current midfielders.
A permanent move for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro to Monza for €7.5m has reportedly been completed. Additionally, Inter is seeking to loan out Yanis Massolin and permanently sell Kristjan Asllani. Davide Frattesi is also reportedly not part of Inter’s plans, and the club is awaiting offers for the Italy international.
The ongoing negotiations highlight Inter’s persistent efforts to secure Jones, despite Liverpool’s current valuation and the midfielder’s contractual situation.
Source: standard.co.uk
Ama Serwah
Yaw Appiah
Evelyn Mensah
Kwame Ofori