Inter are considering selling Luis Henrique to help finance a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with Premier League clubs joining Roma in showing interest in the Brazilian winger.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter had hoped the sale of Davide Frattesi to Lazio would provide a significant boost to their transfer budget. The deal did free up a place in the Nerazzurri’s midfield, but the financial return was lower than initially expected.
The transfer was adjusted to a €5m loan, rather than the €1m loan fee originally envisaged, with Lazio holding a €10m option to buy. That change means Inter still need to raise further funds if they are to make a decisive move for Jones.
The club believe a sale of Luis Henrique could provide the additional “ammunition” required to give them greater certainty over their pursuit of the Liverpool midfielder.
Inter have already opened discussions with Roma, who value Luis Henrique at about €30m including bonuses. However, the structure of a possible deal has yet to be agreed, while Roma’s immediate priority remains completing their attack.
That situation could leave Roma facing competition for the winger. Interest has now emerged from England, meaning the Italian club may soon no longer be Inter’s only potential negotiating partner for Luis Henrique.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the winger’s future, Inter intend to continue their efforts to sign Jones. The midfielder has been specifically requested by manager Cristian Chivu, who wants to strengthen his options in the centre of the pitch.
Liverpool have maintained a €40m valuation of Jones for much of the negotiations, despite the player’s contract running until 2027. Their position has, however, recently softened. The shift is similar to the stance Tottenham eventually took over Djed Spence, when they reduced their demands during discussions with Inter.
Inter are hoping to keep the final cost below €40m, although it is expected to be difficult to complete the deal for less than €35m. Any money raised through the sale of Luis Henrique would therefore make negotiations over Jones considerably more straightforward.
Jones has already agreed personal terms with Inter, according to the report. If the transfer is completed, he would become the club’s third English signing of the summer.
Inter have already brought in John Stones and Spence during the current transfer window. The proposed arrival of Jones would add another English player to Chivu’s squad, while the possible departure of Luis Henrique would help the Nerazzurri fund a deal for the Liverpool midfielder.
For now, Inter are pursuing both objectives: exploring the market for Luis Henrique while continuing to work towards an agreement with Liverpool for Jones.
