Inter Transfer Market: Rising Star at Risk—They Need to Sell to Keep Chivu Happy

In this first phase of the transfer window, Inter has focused on strengthening its defense, and in addition to new goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio have also brought veteran John Stones from Manchester City to Milan. The Nerazzurri seem determined to sign Pavard to round out their defensive lineup and are looking to invest in midfield.

In terms of numbers, the Italian champions aren’t in a rush, but Cristian Chivu continues to push to sign Curtis Jones, the Liverpool star whom Inter tried to acquire last summer. Born in 2001, he can also play as a playmaker, and last year with the Reds he was even deployed as a fullback: versatility is one of his greatest strengths, and Chivu would like to bring him to Milan right away.

Liverpool’s asking price to release Jones is around 40 million euros, and the English club has no intention of offering a discount. In addition to the departing Davide Frattesi and Kristjan Asllani, Inter would also have to sell Aleksandar Stanković to satisfy Chivu—a significant sacrifice considering the potential of Dejan’s son.

The Nerazzurri management is divided on the issue: some would prefer to give the young Aleksandar a chance, while others would rather free up a spot for a more ready player like Curtis Jones. Cristian Chivu himself seems to be very torn: on the one hand, he considers Jones a crucial addition to his system; on the other, he is very close to Stanković (the two worked together in Inter’s Primavera team) and is pleased with the 2005-born player’s preseason performance.