Liverpool star could stay with £34.5m price tag now set

Liverpool star could stay with £34.5m price tag now set Curtis Jones price explained as Arsenal interest piles pressure on Inter Arsenal’s growing interest in Curtis Jones could leave Inter facing a familiar transfer dilemma, with Liverpool showing little sign of lowering their valuation despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato , the Serie A giants have already found negotiations more difficult than anticipated and now face fresh competition from the Premier League. With Liverpool reportedly maintaining a £34.5m asking price, the battle for the England international could be about to intensify. Photo IMAGO Liverpool hold firm over Curtis Jones valuation Inter’s summer rebuild has already encountered several obstacles and Curtis Jones appears to be the latest target slipping further from their grasp. After missing out on other priority signings, the Italian club had hoped to make progress with Liverpool over a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder. However, there remains a sizeable gap between the two clubs’ valuations. Calciomercato reports that Inter have increased their offer but remain unwilling to go beyond around £21.5m (€25m), while Liverpool continue to value Jones at approximately £34.5m (€40m). Despite the midfielder approaching the final 12 months of his contract, Liverpool are not prepared to accept a significantly reduced fee. That stance reflects Jones’ standing within the squad. Although opportunities have fluctuated in recent seasons, the academy graduate remains a trusted option capable of operating in several midfield roles. His age, experience and homegrown status also strengthen Liverpool’s negotiating position. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio acknowledged the club’s interest earlier this month but admitted that agreeing a fee would not be straightforward. He said: “Minimal gap? You’re the ones saying that, the millions aren’t yours. We were interested in January and we are interested now as well. We tried and we will try again. If we meet on the valuation, good. If not, we will do something else.” Those comments now appear increasingly significant as the negotiations continue without a breakthrough. Arsenal enter race as competition grows While Inter have attempted to narrow the gap, fresh interest from Arsenal could further complicate matters. As first reported by the Daily Mail and referenced by Calciomercato, Mikel Arteta is seeking greater depth in midfield after alternative targets have become increasingly difficult to secure. Curtis Jones is viewed as a player capable of adding technical quality, tactical intelligence and versatility to Arsenal’s options. Any genuine Premier League interest naturally strengthens Liverpool’s position. Unlike Inter, Arsenal would not need convincing over the player’s adaptation to English football and could potentially meet Liverpool’s £34.5m price more comfortably should they decide to pursue the deal seriously. From Liverpool’s perspective, there is little urgency to sell below their valuation if multiple clubs are monitoring the situation. Competition generally works in favour of the selling club, particularly when the player remains capable of contributing throughout the coming season. Whether Arsenal’s interest develops into a formal bid remains to be seen, but their emergence changes the dynamic of negotiations. Inter searching for financial solution Inter’s hopes may ultimately depend on creating room within their own budget. According to Calciomercato, Cristian Chivu has identified Jones as one of his preferred midfield additions before pre-season begins. The report also suggests that funds generated from a possible sale of Davide Frattesi, with Nottingham Forest reportedly interested, could help Inter bridge the financial gap. Even then, Liverpool would still need to soften their position. There is currently no indication that the Premier League champions are prepared to compromise on their £34.5m valuation. From their perspective, Jones remains an experienced squad player with significant Premier League pedigree and plenty of years still ahead of him. Contract situations often place pressure on selling clubs, but Liverpool appear confident that maintaining their valuation is justified given the level of interest developing across Europe. Transfer outlook remains finely balanced Much could change before the transfer window closes, but the next move appears to belong to Inter. Unless the Italian club significantly improve their offer, Liverpool have little incentive to reduce their demands. Arsenal’s reported interest only reinforces that position, while Jones himself remains an attractive option for clubs seeking an experienced midfielder entering what should be the peak years of his career. As originally reported by Calciomercato, Inter remain keen to complete a deal, but they now face stronger competition and a valuation they have yet to match. Whether Liverpool’s £34.5m price proves decisive or eventually becomes negotiable will likely shape one of the more intriguing midfield stories of the summer.