Inter Milan are pursuing a double midfield reinforcement with plans to sign Manu Koné from Roma and Curtis Jones from Liverpool, according to reports in Italy. The Nerazzurri are aiming to increase the intensity of their midfield options following their Serie A title win.
Both Koné and Jones, born within four months of each other in 2001, are seen as potential replacements for Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Davide Frattesi, whose futures at the club are uncertain. Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio and CEO Beppe Marotta have been evaluating the possibility of bringing both players to San Siro for some time.
Koné is currently focused on helping Roma secure Champions League qualification, a result that could prove pivotal for the club’s financial situation. Roma’s owners, the Friedkin family, are reportedly obligated to generate transfer revenue to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. This necessity could force the sale of Koné, who has recently earned a call-up to the French national team. Inter previously attempted to sign the midfielder last year for a reported €35 million, but the deal was blocked by Roma’s ownership. A bid in the range of €45-50 million is now anticipated, potentially including a player exchange, with Frattesi or Carlos Augusto mentioned as possible makeweights.
Jones’ situation is different, with Inter having monitored him closely during Liverpool’s Champions League visit to San Siro in December. A January move was considered, but Inter withdrew their interest when Liverpool requested Denzel Dumfries as part of the deal. However, discussions remained open, and with Jones’ contract expiring in 2027, he is now available at a more reasonable price. Despite not being recalled to the England national team by Thomas Tuchel, Jones has made 48 appearances this season, many as a starter, and has attracted interest from Premier League clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa, but is reportedly favouring a move to Italy.
The club is aiming for ‘intelligent’ additions to compete at the highest European level, adding players with pace and dynamism to an already strong midfield featuring Calhanoglu, Barella, Zielinski and Sucic.
