28 June 2026·By [Paul Vegas](/author/paul-vegas)
Arsenal have added Curtis Jones to their midfield shortlist, according to the Daily Mail, intensifying competition for the Liverpool midfielder who Inter Milan have been pursuing all summer without matching the Reds' asking price.
Arsenal's interest follows their failure to secure Sandro Tonali, who is expected to join Tottenham Hotspur under Roberto De Zerbi. With that avenue closed, the Gunners have identified Jones as a high-quality alternative and are prepared to approach Liverpool.
The approach being considered by Arsenal is not dissimilar to Inter Milan's strategy — both clubs are inclined to wait for Jones' contract situation to evolve rather than meet Liverpool's current valuation immediately. Jones' contract runs until June 2027, and both clubs are monitoring whether Liverpool's resolve softens as the expiry draws closer.
Liverpool have so far resisted pressure to reduce their asking price, turning down Inter's updated offers and showing no sign of accepting a fee below their stated valuation. The prospect of Arsenal entering the market, however, adds a new dimension to a situation that has been moving slowly.
For Jones, genuine interest from Arsenal represents a significant development. The option of joining a club competing in the Champions League would be a compelling proposition, and his own ambitions will play a role in determining how the situation unfolds.
The situation around Jones has become one of the summer's more complex transfer storylines, with a player of clear Premier League quality caught between clubs who want to acquire him at a price below what Liverpool will accept. Arsenal's decision to monitor the situation rather than move aggressively mirrors Inter's approach, and suggests both clubs believe time is on their side as the contract clock ticks down.
Whether Liverpool will eventually blink or hold out for their valuation until a club meets it in full will determine the timeline. For now, Jones remains at Anfield with two interested clubs watching and waiting.