Image Credits: Imago Images
Curtis Jones is on his way out of Anfield.
That is the clear picture emerging from Italy this weekend, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Liverpool midfielder has mentally drawn a line under his time at the club and is now pushing hard for a move to Inter Milan before the summer window closes.
The report lands at a significant moment for both player and club.
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of a major rebuilding project at Anfield following Arne Slot’s troubled title defence, and it has become increasingly clear that Jones does not feature in the new manager’s plans.
The 25-year-old is aware of that reality and, according to Gazzetta, has embraced it.
He is not looking for a fight to stay.
He wants a new challenge, specifically in a country other than England, and Inter Milan are the club he wants to join.
The Italian newspaper describes Inter as treating the signing of Jones as a genuine priority this summer as they look to strengthen their squad for another Champions League campaign.
Having secured the Serie A and Coppa Italia double in their previous season under Romanian coach Cristian Chivu, the club’s ambitions are only growing, and Jones fits a specific profile they have been targeting.
Gazzetta notes that the Nerazzurri believe he has developed all the qualities needed to make a significant impact, not just domestically but across Europe.
Jones himself has already made his feelings clear in the most telling of ways.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the midfielder recently approached Inter and Italy forward Federico Chiesa to ask about life in Italy, a pointed and deliberate signal that those within the club have not missed.
Inter’s management are using the personal agreement they have reportedly struck with Jones as leverage in their negotiations with Liverpool, a preemptive move designed to accelerate the deal and ward off potential competition.
That negotiation is where things currently stand.
Gazzetta reports that Inter have tabled an offer of around 20 million euros, while Liverpool are holding firm at 30 million pounds.
The gap is real, but Inter believe they hold the stronger hand.
With Jones’ contract expiring in exactly a year’s time, the clock is working against Liverpool’s valuation.
The longer the situation drags on, the weaker their bargaining position becomes.
For Jones, the story is one of a player who has given Liverpool everything over more than 200 appearances, winning two Premier League titles and a Club World Cup among other honours.
He came through at Anfield as a teenager and grew into a reliable first-team contributor under multiple managers.
But football moves quickly, and the arrival of Iraola has changed the landscape entirely.
Both parties are expected to meet again soon in an attempt to bridge the financial gap.
With Jones pushing and Inter pulling, a resolution appears close.