Italian giants still keen on move for Liverpool star | OneFootball

Inter Milan refuse to match Liverpool valuation

Inter Milan’s long running pursuit of Curtis Jones appears to have reached a decisive moment, with Liverpool refusing to soften their stance over the midfielder’s valuation.

The Serie A giants have admired Jones for months and remain convinced that the England international possesses the technical quality and tactical intelligence to thrive in Italian football. The midfielder is also understood to appeal strongly to head coach Cristian Chivu, who sees him as a player capable of adding energy, composure and versatility to his midfield options.

Despite that interest, negotiations have failed to gather momentum. Liverpool have remained firm throughout discussions and are not prepared to compromise on their asking price, leaving Inter increasingly frustrated as the transfer window progresses.

According to the original report from TEAMtalk, Inter have now made it clear that they are prepared to walk away from negotiations if Liverpool continue to demand significantly more than they are willing to pay.

That represents a significant development in a transfer saga that has lingered since the January window, with both clubs remaining some distance apart on valuation.

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Financial gap continues to stall negotiations

The biggest obstacle remains the difference between what each club believes Curtis Jones is worth.

Inter Milan are understood to have improved their proposal, but their latest offer is still valued at around €25 million. Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to hold out for approximately €40 million, believing the academy graduate remains an important asset despite entering the final stages of his current contract.

From Liverpool’s perspective, there is little incentive to sell below their valuation. Jones has developed into a reliable Premier League midfielder who offers flexibility across multiple roles, while his homegrown status also adds value within squad registration rules.

Inter, however, appear unwilling to stretch their finances beyond their current limit.

Sporting director Piero Ausilio recently addressed the situation during an appearance at the Parma Festival of Sport.

He said: “Minimal range? You say so, the millions aren’t yours. We were interested in January and we’re still interested now. We tried and we’ll try again. If we meet later to discuss the valuation, fine, otherwise we’ll do something else.”

Those comments underline Inter’s admiration for Jones while also making it clear that they have financial boundaries they do not intend to cross.

Unless Liverpool alter their demands, the Italian club appear increasingly prepared to pursue alternative midfield targets.

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest add fresh competition

Inter Milan are no longer the only club monitoring developments.

Reports suggest Arsenal have entered the picture as Mikel Arteta continues searching for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners have explored several options during the summer, with their pursuit of other targets proving difficult. That has reportedly increased interest in Jones, who offers Premier League experience and remains an attractive long term investment.

Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the Liverpool midfielder in recent days, adding another potential destination should Liverpool eventually decide to sanction a sale.

Greater competition could strengthen Liverpool’s negotiating position. If multiple clubs are prepared to enter discussions, there is less pressure on the Reds to accept a reduced fee simply to accommodate Inter’s financial limits.

For now, however, none of the interested clubs appear close to matching Liverpool’s valuation.

Player remains open to Serie A challenge

While negotiations have stalled, Curtis Jones is reportedly receptive to the possibility of joining Inter Milan.

According to TEAMtalk’s reporting, the midfielder is attracted by the prospect of testing himself in Serie A and views Inter as an appealing opportunity at this stage of his career.

That willingness has helped keep communication channels open between both clubs and the intermediaries involved in discussions. Even with Inter threatening to withdraw from negotiations, dialogue has continued as all parties explore whether common ground can still be found.

Liverpool, though, remain under no immediate pressure to sell. Jones continues to be viewed as a valuable member of the squad, and unless their valuation is met, there appears little appetite to compromise.

The coming weeks are therefore likely to determine whether this transfer develops into a genuine deal or becomes another example of a highly rated player remaining at Anfield because potential buyers could not reach Liverpool’s asking price.

Inter Milan may still admire Curtis Jones, but unless there is movement on valuation from either side, their interest could soon become another transfer pursuit that ultimately falls short.