In a week in which the arrival of Mark Palestra is expected to be finalized — with owners Oaktree having approved a 50 million euro move for the Atalanta player — the duo of Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio are preparing more fireworks in Inter’s transfer window. The Italian champions find themselves in a highly privileged position. They are under no obligation to sell players, meaning no club can pressure them over transfer fees. They already have a competitive squad in place for next season and can afford to wait for bargain opportunities or lucrative transfer openings.
At the top of Inter’s wish list are two exceptionally talented players: Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Nico Paz, whose rights are still expected to be repurchased by Real Madrid from Como for 12 million euros. However, signing both players would require close to 100 million, meaning Marotta and Ausilio would likely need to fund the deals through player sales. Inter’s transfer list reportedly includes Davide Frattesi, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Luis Henrique, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kristjan Asllani, and Benjamin Pavard. In theory, their departures could generate the 100 million needed, although finding buyers willing to meet Inter’s valuation is another matter.
Inter made a fresh approach for Curtis Jones last week, asking whether a deal was possible for around €25m. This was a conversation, not a formal or written offer.
Jones’ arrival is particularly tied to the potential sale of Frattesi, not only because of the transfer fee involved but also because of squad space considerations. Inter are closely monitoring negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City over Elliot Anderson. If Anderson joins City, Forest would suddenly have significant financial resources available and could comfortably meet Inter’s 30 million euros asking price for Frattesi.
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Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa has revealed that Jones has repeatedly asked him about Serie A and life in Italy, suggesting there is truth behind reports that the young English midfielder is attracted by the idea of moving to Milan. The situation surrounding Nico Paz is more complicated. Como 1907 and coach Cesc Fabregas are determined to keep the Argentine prodigy at least one more season on the shores of Lake Como. Ultimately, though, the decision rests with Real Madrid, who can choose whether to activate their buy-back clause this summer or next. According to reports from Madrid, Real are aiming to secure around 60 million euros from any future sale of Paz. Inter hope to take advantage of the situation and, after potentially landing Mark Palestra, present their supporters with another elite 20-year-old talent.