Curtis Jones Transfer: Inter Milan Edges Closer with Price Drop

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is edging towards a major sacrifice in midfield, with Curtis Jones now firmly within Inter Milan’s reach after a key domino fell in Italy – and the price at Anfield dropped.

Inter clear the decks for Jones

Inter’s interest in Jones has never been a secret. The 25-year-old has been at the top of their midfield shortlist since January, and the Serie A champions have kept pushing across the summer, only to be pushed back each time.

Their biggest offer so far – around €30m (£26m) – was rejected, with Liverpool holding out for roughly €40m (£34m). Inter were adamant they would not go that high. Something had to give.

The first condition was on their side. They needed space and money in midfield, and that meant moving Davide Frattesi on. Once Fabrizio Romano delivered his trademark “here we go” on Frattesi’s switch to Lazio, the picture changed.

Frattesi has joined Lazio from Inter on an initial €5m loan, with a €10m buy option and a 50% sell-on clause in favour of Inter. With that deal done, the path for another midfielder to come in suddenly looked a lot clearer.

Liverpool blink on the asking price

The second condition was Liverpool’s stance. That has now softened.

Romano reported that Inter still regard Jones as a “priority target” and now believe a deal is realistic at €35m (£30m). On Saturday afternoon, that figure was effectively endorsed on Merseyside.

The Liverpool Echo confirmed that the club are now prepared to accept €35m / £30m for Jones, having previously been holding out for £34m. Talks with Inter had stalled in recent weeks, but with both Frattesi gone and the valuation narrowed, a breakthrough is back on the table.

Liverpool are not actively pushing Jones out of the door, yet the new price feels like an invitation. Inter, who had no intention of meeting the earlier demand, now see a number they can work with.

Gakpo, Barcola and a changing front line

All this unfolds against a broader reshaping of Liverpool’s squad.

The noise around Anfield has largely centred on the search for two new wingers, with Bradley Barcola identified as the leading target. If Barcola arrives, along with another wide forward, the knock-on effect is clear: Cody Gakpo will be allowed to complete a move to Tottenham.

The Dutch forward has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, and Liverpool are braced for a significant bid. Gakpo is 25, Jones the same age bracket – both players theoretically in their prime, both potentially heading for the exit in the same window.

For Inter, Jones represents a long-term target finally within range. For Liverpool, lowering the fee to £30m signals a willingness to trade a homegrown midfielder to accelerate a new era under a refreshed attack.

The question now is simple: with the price cut and the path cleared, how long will Inter wait before they move in for the player they have wanted since January?