Inter Milan’s summer recruitment drive has suffered successive setbacks after the Nerazzurri missed out on prime targets Marco Palestra and Nico Paz, while a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones grows increasingly uncertain.
The Serie A side had identified Palestra as a priority signing to fill the right wing-back position, only to see the player join Chelsea in a €60 million deal. This blow is compounded by the expected departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, leaving manager Cristian Chivu without a recognised starter in the role.
Inter had reportedly considered redirecting the funds set aside for Palestra toward a deal for Argentine talent Nico Paz instead. However, Paz now looks set to join Como in a permanent €60 million transfer, closing another avenue for the Milan club.
Jones pursuit complicated by valuation gap
With defensive options narrowing, attention turned to reinforcing midfield through Jones, who enters the final year of his Liverpool contract. Yet the clubs remain far apart on price. Liverpool are holding out for a €40 million fee, having rejected Inter’s latest bid of €25 million.
According to reports, Inter are reluctant to increase their offer significantly, mindful that the 23-year-old could negotiate a free transfer from January onwards and leave Anfield without a fee next summer.
The situation is further complicated by interest from Arsenal. The Premier League champions have also registered their interest in Jones, potentially offering the England international an alternative to a move to Serie A.
Having already lost two primary targets to domestic rivals and with Dumfries’s exit to Madrid impending, Inter face a narrowing window to secure essential reinforcements before the new campaign begins.