Gazzetta: Chivu still wants Jones, but Stanković must leave for deal to progress

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Internazionale coach Simone Inzaghi has not given up on signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, but only if Aleksandar Stanković leaves.

With exactly two weeks until the opening round of the new Serie A season, Inzaghi's Internazionale is about to embark on their title defense. The team needs to start with a complete squad, and the next twelve days will be crucial in determining what remains to be done in the transfer window. The deal for Cuti Romero has stalled due to disagreements over Pavard's departure and Atlético Madrid's involvement; Moussa Diaby's arrival has also been complicated by Al-Ittihad's resistance and Bayer Leverkusen's reluctance to sell. These developments have put the defense and right flank under scrutiny, but the midfield remains a priority Internazionale has not abandoned.

Curtis Jones has long been Inzaghi's top target. The 25-year-old Liverpool player operates as a central midfielder with a tendency to push forward into attack, but can also function as a defensive midfielder and full-back. Inzaghi wants Internazionale to play with greater offensive dynamism, and Jones' versatility is precisely what the team needs. In attack, he can rotate with Çalhanoğlu; defensively, he even played as a full-back last season, demonstrating his tactical flexibility.

Financially, Liverpool is demanding at least €40 million, despite Jones' contract expiring in 2027. If Internazionale is to sign him, selling fringe players like Frattesi may not suffice, but if Aleksandar Stanković leaves, the financial picture would change dramatically. Stanković has appeared as Çalhanoğlu's backup several times in preseason with mixed results, though his age and adaptation period are understandable factors. Internazionale rates him highly, having rejected a €40 million offer from Brentford just days ago, underscoring their confidence in him. However, foreign suitors are willing to invest heavily in such a prospect, and if superior offers materialize, Internazionale may struggle to refuse. Stanković has recently reaffirmed his commitment to Internazionale and his determination to fight for playing time, and the club values him accordingly, but the transfer market remains unpredictable—especially for a versatile midfielder with strong organizational abilities.

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