Calciomercato Inter: Jones' Transfer Hinges on Oaktree, Chiesa Rumors and Liverpool's Urgency

For nearly three months, it's been a battle of nerves, or rather eight, considering Inter has been pursuing Curtis Jones since January and negotiating with Liverpool. An agreement seemed imminent at the beginning of 2026, especially as Inter was close to selling Frattesi to Nottingham Forest and planned to replace the Italian with the Englishman. However, Frattesi's transfer—which recently saw him move to Lazio—fell through, as did Jones' potential arrival. Inter and Chivu, as has been reported for weeks, haven't forgotten about the homegrown midfielder from the Reds, just as Jones has never stopped envisioning himself in a black and blue jersey. His summer, in fact, has been a testament to his Inter leanings: he rejected Liverpool's contract renewal offer, said no to a move to Nottingham Forest, and sustained a minor hip injury that kept him out of recent friendly matches for Iraola's team.

Jones' commitment to Inter has remained clear so far, unlike, for instance, Palestra's. The question on everyone's mind, including the Nerazzurri fans, is why Inter, after saying goodbye to Frattesi, hasn't yet made a decisive move with Liverpool. It's worth remembering that at the start of the transfer window, sporting director Ausilio made an initial offer of 25 million plus bonuses, which was rejected. Then, at the end of July, he raised it to 30 million plus bonuses: still no agreement. Liverpool, despite Jones' contract expiring in 2027, has consistently asked for 40 million. At least, that was the case until a few days ago. Signals from England suggest a shift in the Reds' perspective. Liverpool is evidently tired of Jones' attitude and doesn't want to risk losing the player for free; not to mention the considerable expense of their ongoing pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton. The player's agents, in constant contact with Ausilio, have indicated that an agreement could be reached at 35 million, aligning with the Spence deal with Tottenham.

Rumors Surrounding Chiesa

In essence, there's a 5-million-euro gap between Inter's guaranteed 30 million and Liverpool's current asking price of 35 million. However, the Nerazzurri directors are waiting for the conditions to be certain and for the definitive approval from Oaktree. Inter could potentially pursue Jones again, but the ownership, considering the 35 million deficit in income versus expenditure for this transfer window, would prefer to finalize the exit of Luis Henrique first.

The management likely still feels confident about the Jones situation and is therefore waiting, hoping to secure a further discount from Liverpool—rumors also circulated yesterday about Chiesa being linked with Inter, but the Italian reportedly wishes to stay at Anfield. Nevertheless, Chivu and Jones himself are pushing to avoid a potential debacle, pushing the matter to 2027. Then, if Luis Henrique departs, consideration will be given to a low-cost winger, with the issue of a new striker, as reported in recent days, remaining on the back burner. But that scenario is destined to unfold in the last week of August, especially if a midfielder or striker (like Bonny) is sold for 40 million or more.