Inter’s Midfield Plan: Curtis Jones and Frattesi’s Exit
Inter’s summer blueprint in midfield has a single, clear name at the top: Curtis Jones. Everything else is maneuvering to make that move possible.
The Serie A champions have been tracking the Liverpool midfielder for weeks, waiting on two things: outgoings in their own squad and a softer stance from Anfield on the fee. The key domino could be Davide Frattesi – and Lazio are now in the frame to push it over.
Frattesi–Lazio Talks Open the Door
As reported by Fabrizio Romano (via SOSFanta), Inter and Lazio have opened talks over a deal for Frattesi based on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The structure is simple: minutes, performance, and potentially team objectives would trigger a permanent transfer.
Frattesi’s priority is straightforward. He wants to play. Last season he made 33 appearances for Inter, but only a small fraction came from the start. For a midfielder in his prime years, cameo roles are no longer enough.
His agent, Giuseppe Riso, has taken the initiative. According to Alfredo Pedullà, Riso has formally offered Frattesi to Lazio, a club where the Italy international would walk straight into the starting XI. Riso already has strong links in the capital, representing Mario Gila, Andrea Pinamonti, and Lorenzo Lucca.
Lazio had previously explored a partial swap with Napoli involving a defender, but Milan stepped in and closed that avenue. The Biancocelesti then turned to Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic, only to see him heading to Lens instead. With options narrowing, Frattesi has quickly moved near the top of their list.
For the player, the fit is obvious. For Lazio, the problem is familiar: getting deals over the line. Negotiations with Inter will be anything but easy. The Scudetto winners have no intention of letting Frattesi go on the cheap.
There’s an extra twist. Frattesi’s Roma past would make a move to Lazio particularly spicy in the capital, adding another layer to an already complicated deal.
Inter’s Jones Push Waiting on Green Light
If Frattesi does leave, Inter are ready to hit the accelerator on Jones. The club are prepared to go up to €35 million for the Liverpool midfielder, a significant outlay in a window where they have largely worked with targeted, controlled spending.
Liverpool, though, are holding firm. Despite Jones having a relatively short-term contract, the Premier League side continue to demand a hefty fee, reflecting both his age and their belief in his upside. He has been handled carefully in pre-season, a sign that the club know there is serious interest and want to protect a valuable asset.
Jones, for his part, is open to the move. Regular football in a title-winning side, in a league that suits his technical profile, is a powerful pull. Inter see him as a dynamic, press-resistant midfielder who can grow into a central role in Simone Inzaghi’s system.
The chain is clear. Lazio need to find the money and the agreement for Frattesi. Inter need that exit to push hard for Jones. Liverpool need to decide how far they are willing to compromise on price.
If any link breaks, the whole move risks stalling.
A Deal That Tests Everyone
For Frattesi, Lazio would offer what he craves: guaranteed starts and a central role. For Inter, his sale could unlock their main target. For Liverpool, the decision is whether to cash in now or bet on a bigger future payoff.
The market rarely gives second chances. Inter have chosen their man in Jones. Now it’s up to Lazio and Liverpool to decide just how bold this summer is going to be.
