Arsenal have been linked with a shocking move for wantaway Liverpool star Curtis Jones.
Arsenal news reports that the Gunners are showing a surprising interest in the 25-year-old midfielder this summer.
The Premier League winners are looking to bolster their midfield options and have been tipped to bring a couple of exciting names to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been linked with Mateus Fernandes, who has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe this summer.
However, the Gunners look to have accepted defeat in that race and are now turning their attention to other prospects. Surprisingly, Jones is on their radar.
Jones came up through Liverpool’s academy and has spent his entire professional career at Anfield, developing from one of their brightest young talents into a decent first-team star.
However, after years of playing different roles for the club, Jones is believed to be considering a fresh challenge in search of regular football in his preferred midfield position.
Reports suggest Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation, creating unexpected competition for Inter Milan, who have been tracking the England international for some time.
Jones played a prominent role for Liverpool last season, making 49 appearances across all competitions.
While he contributed three goals and three assists, his versatility once again proved to be one of his greatest strengths.
Injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley even saw him fill in at right-back on several occasions.
Despite his importance to the squad, Jones has struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter in his favoured central midfield position.
That appears to be the main reason why he wants to explore his options away from Anfield this summer.
Having already made more than 200 appearances for Liverpool and contributed 22 goals and 25 assists, Jones has built an impressive resume.
However, many believe he still has another level to reach if he can get regular first-team minutes in his preferred role. So far, Inter Milan has shown the most interest in Jones this summer.
The Serie A champions are looking to reshape their midfield this summer, with several experienced players approaching the latter stages of their careers.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is nearing the end of an outstanding career, while uncertainty also surrounds Davide Frattesi, who has struggled for regular starts in a situation that mirrors Jones’ experience at Liverpool.
Those circumstances have encouraged Inter to look for younger options capable of becoming long-term midfield leaders.
Reports from Italy have claimed that Jones is open to joining the Nerazzurri and believes the time is right to leave his boyhood club. However, completing a deal may not be straightforward.
Liverpool have reportedly rejected offers of £18 million and £21m for Jones, with the Premier League side holding out for at least £35m.
The Reds have shown no signs of shifting their stance, even though he’s entering the final year of his contract.
The asking price reflects Liverpool’s belief that Jones is still one of England’s most talented midfielders.
At 25, he is entering what should be the prime years of his career and still has plenty of room for improvement. Arsenal’s rumoured interest also hammers home that point.
Arsenal could part ways with Christian Norgaard this summer, so the Gunners are looking for players who can add quality and depth to their options in the middle of the park.
Jones certainly fits that profile. Comfortable in possession, energetic without the ball and experienced in high-profile games, he offers qualities that would suit Arsenal’s brand of football.
However, whether he’d get the chance to prove his mettle at the Emirates is another question entirely.