Lewis Steele: Arsenal considering shock move for Liverpool star | OneFootball

Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones Linked With Arsenal as Lewis Steele Shares Transfer Update

Curtis Jones has reached one of those awkward footballing crossroads where every option carries logic, risk and a little bit of politics.

The Liverpool midfielder made 49 appearances last season under Arne Slot, scoring three goals and adding three assists. He also filled in at right back when injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley left Liverpool short, which tells you plenty about his usefulness.

Yet usefulness and status are not the same thing. Jones has been valuable, versatile and trusted, but he has not quite become untouchable. Now, with Andoni Iraola newly appointed as Liverpool head coach, the question is whether the 25-year-old fits into the next version of this team.

Lewis Steele Suggests Arsenal Admiration

According to Lewis Steele on Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast, Arsenal are admirers of Curtis Jones and could be one to watch if the midfielder becomes available.

“I think Liverpool doesn’t want to sell him for anything less than their valuation, which is fair enough.”

“And it seems that other clubs aren’t willing to put up the money that Liverpool wants at this stage.”

“As far as Liverpool is concerned, that would mean the door is closed on Curtis leaving this summer.”

“The only thing I wonder is that we haven’t really heard from Curtis himself.”

“He seemed to be aiming for a move away this summer.”

“So, if a club comes in and puts the money on the table, that could certainly change things.”

“We know that Spurs have liked him in the past, though they went for Gallagher in January instead.”

“I think there was always talk that Arsenal might have liked him.”

“So, that could be one to watch.”

“I do think it’s more likely that he will stay at this point based on what’s been said, but I don’t think the door is completely shut because he only has a year left on his contract.”

That final line is the key. Liverpool may not want to sell. They may feel £35 million is fair. They may also believe Jones still has a part to play. Yet with only a year left on his contract, the situation cannot be treated as simple.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Interest Makes Sense, With Complications

From Arsenal’s perspective, the appeal is obvious enough. Jones is Premier League-proven, tactically flexible and technically secure. He can play as an eight, cover wider areas, press intelligently and help a squad that expects to compete across four fronts.

For Mikel Arteta, that type of footballer has value.

For Liverpool, selling him to Arsenal would be a very different calculation. This is not a fringe player being moved abroad. This would be a homegrown midfielder, developed at Anfield, potentially strengthening a direct title rival.

That is why Inter Milan’s interest feels cleaner from a Liverpool perspective. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Jones has already said yes to Inter, while the Italian champions have seen bids of £18 million and £21 million rejected.

Liverpool Must Decide Before Market Forces Do

This is where sentiment has to make way for strategy. Jones is a local player, an academy graduate and someone who has delivered in big moments. Yet Liverpool cannot allow another contract situation to drift.

If Iraola sees Jones as central to his midfield, then a renewal should be pursued quickly. If not, Liverpool need to maximise value now rather than risk losing leverage later.

For Curtis Jones, Arsenal may be flattering, Inter may be tempting, and Liverpool may still be home. The problem is that football rarely waits for romance to catch up with reality.