Italian Football

Calciomercato Inter: Djed Spence officially signed, Frattesi heading to Lazio, and Jones rumors

August 13, 2026Carlos Mendoza28 мин

Wednesday, August 12

11:15 PM - Inter has identified Cristian Chivu's new right-winger. After attempts for Palestra and the trail of Khalaili, which was halted due to failed medicals, the Nerazzurri have finalized the signing of Djed Spence from Tottenham. According to Sky Sport, an agreement has been reached with the Spurs for €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses, along with a 10% sell-on clause. The English winger is considered the ideal profile to replace Denzel Dumfries. Despite not scoring or assisting last season with Tottenham, Spence had a high-level World Cup performance, convincing Inter's management. His ability to play on both flanks and his dynamism with the English national team were key factors in Inter's evaluation. Spence is set to sign a contract with Inter until June 30, 2031, with an expected salary of around €3 million net per season plus bonuses. Only formal steps remain, and the player is expected in Milan between Friday and Saturday for medicals and to sign.

9:00 PM - Another Zanetti at Inter. Tomas, son of vice-president Javier, has officially signed for the Nerazzurri. Born in 2012, Tomas will join the Under-15 squad. The central midfielder comes from the Inter Academy.

5:00 PM - Not just one, but at least two, if not three, new signings could be finalized by Inter to revitalize their wings following Dumfries' departure, the probable exit of Luis Henrique, and Darmian's contract expiry. Spence is done, and now it remains to be seen if Roma will pursue the former Marseille player. In that case, another experienced full-back would certainly arrive, but it's not impossible that there could be even two: in any case, these would be low-cost reinforcements, as the largest part of the budget will be used to finance the acquisition of Curtis Jones. The return of Ivan Perisic to Pinetina remains an option; the Croatian is favored because he knows the environment and would accept a reduced salary, but attention should also be paid to the more expensive trail leading to Dani Carvajal; the former Real Madrid captain is a free agent. The candidacy of Malik Fofana, valued at €30 million by Lyon, is not being confirmed.

4:30 PM - Davide Frattesi's imminent departure, now on the verge of joining Lazio, allows Inter to free up a midfield spot and generate funds to reinvest in their primary midfield target. It is no secret that Curtis Jones is at the top of the management's wish list, and the frenetic events of the past few hours bring him back into focus. With the right flank settled with Djed Spence's arrival from Tottenham, the priority now shifts to the 25-year-old Liverpool player. Inter is expecting a discount given that he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January, as his contract expires in ten months. The player's desire to move to Milan is not in doubt; however, an agreement with the Reds still needs to be reached, as they will have to significantly lower their financial demands (€40 million). A wall.

4:00 PM - Inter has its new right-winger, and, furthermore, Chivu's first choice after Palestra. In any case, within a few days, the Nerazzurri have reactivated contact with Spurs and closed the deal. The Englishman has always wanted to join Inter, and his desire was crucial in finalizing the deal quickly. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the deal was closed for around €31.5 million in compensation. An agreement has been reached with both Tottenham and the player himself, with whom Inter had a verbal agreement for some time. It's done...

2:30 PM - A preliminary agreement has been reached between Inter and Lazio for the transfer of Frattesi. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, it's about a €1 million loan fee and a €14 million buyout option that will become mandatory based on league position. The anticipation from Di Marzio, which mentioned the inclusion of a percentage for future resale in the agreement, is also confirmed.

"Lazio reaches a verbal agreement with Inter for Davide Frattesi with a €1m loan fee and a €14m purchase option clause that will become mandatory under certain conditions. Agreement also with the player, formal steps will follow and then we're off. Inter also keeps the resale clause."

1:00 PM - There's a second offer for Spence. Inter has put over €30 million on the table to try and convince Tottenham. The Londoners continue to ask for around €35 million plus bonuses, but for now, the Nerazzurri are not willing to go much higher. Tottenham's response is awaited...

Regarding Frattesi, as reported by Sky Sport, efforts are being made to find common ground with Lazio. A loan with a mandatory buy-out clause is being discussed, conditional on Lazio finishing at least 12th in the league for it to be triggered, with Inter also looking to include a significant percentage for future resale.

11:15 AM - Davide Frattesi is close to leaving Inter. As reported by Fabrizio Romano this morning, Lazio has made a renewed offer for the Italian midfielder. An agreement with the Nerazzurri club is imminent for a package of €15 million, including a loan fee and a buy-out option that can become mandatory. Conditions for making the option mandatory are being worked on, but Lazio is very close to Frattesi.

11:00 AM - Inter is pushing for Spence: according to Fabrizio Romano, the Nerazzurri club will present their official offer to Tottenham for the winger today. The club on Viale della Liberazione wants to close the deal with their proposal to Spurs.

10:00 AM - Important news on Curtis Jones from Fabrizio Romano: 'If Frattesi leaves, with Lazio lurking, Inter intends to return to the table for Jones, officially. Liverpool has always asked for €40 million, the update is that Liverpool has slightly lowered its request. The feeling of those close to the operation is that Jones could be unlocked around €35 million, and this is new. The price for Jones is slightly decreasing.'

9:30 AM - La Gazzetta dello Sport on Luis Henrique-Roma: 'Inter, willing to sell Luis Henrique only permanently, is considering Roma's latest offer of €28 million plus bonuses. It's a deal that the parties intend to conclude, considering the excellent relations between the two clubs. Now, all that remains is to wait for the player's definitive yes.'

9:00 AM - 'Inter has re-established dialogue with Tottenham: to close the Spence operation, considering the player's openness after the World Cup, a handshake between the two clubs is missing.' Corriere dello Sport updates on the winger targeted by the Nerazzurri. Spurs 'have revised their economic expectations downwards. Inter could offer around €35 million between the fixed base and bonuses.' Roma is interested in Luis Henrique, and there is an agreement with Inter for €27 million. To replace the Brazilian, the Nerazzurri could target a more offensive player, like Malick Fofana from Lyon.

8:30 AM - Inter has chosen Djed Spence as their reinforcement for the right flank. Negotiations with Tottenham for the English full-back are ongoing: 'The Nerazzurri club has decided on a sudden all-in for him,' writes La Gazzetta dello Sport, revealing that Inter has offered €30 million against a request of €40 million. 'There is still work to be done to meet halfway in good faith, but a landing point around €35 million is considered plausible by those working directly on the operation.'

8:00 AM - Inter and Roma are in advanced negotiations for the transfer of Luis Henrique to the capital. The Nerazzurri club is willing to sell the Brazilian winger, and according to Sky Sport, an agreement has been reached between the parties on a total valuation of €30 million. For Fabrizio Romano, 'Luis Henrique to Roma is not closing despite positive club dialogues. The Brazilian winger has not clearly and definitively opened up to a transfer to Giallorossi, and the player's financial demands are currently out of reach for Roma.'

Tuesday, August 11

5:00 PM - The transfer negotiation between Inter and Tottenham for Djed Spence is also gaining significant attention in the foreign press. The Athletic reports on the dialogue between the two clubs for the transfer of the 26-year-old Spurs and England winger to Italy, with the transfer fee expected to be around €30 million (€25.6 million pounds).

A source close to the situation, who requested anonymity to protect their relationships, stated that the player is interested in a move to the Italian champions, who are looking for a new right-sided player after Denzel Dumfries' departure to Real Madrid following the payment of his release clause.

Spence can play as both a left-back and a right-back, but Destiny Udogie and the Spanish World Cup winner Pedro Porro are Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi's first choices for those roles. Everton had made an approach a few weeks ago, only to withdraw. The arrival of Andy Robertson from Liverpool earlier this summer has increased competition for the left-back position (Udogie is also there, along with the 20-year-old Brazilian talent Souza. Archie Gray prefers to play in midfield but can replace Pedro Porro on the right flank. Consequently, the former Genoa player's playing time could be limited next season, especially considering the absence from European competitions.

1:50 PM - Inter is ready to negotiate with Tottenham for Spence. This is reported by Fabrizio Romano: 'Inter is ready for talks with Spurs for Spence, with an initial proposal to follow. Inter will try again for Spence, who wants the transfer. The decision is in Tottenham's hands regarding the terms of the deal.' For Matteo Moretto, 'the operation can advance concretely in the coming hours.'

12:00 PM - Latest on Spence-Inter from Fabrizio Romano: 'Regarding Spence, Inter is involved, but the conditions need to change: they won't pay €40-45 million fixed, but if they start considering €30+5 or €35 plus bonuses, then Inter can make an offer. Inter is still interested in Spence, Roma has inquired about Udogie, but Tottenham cannot let everyone go.'

8:30 AM - Inter has identified Djed Spence as the main candidate to succeed Denzel Dumfries. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, negotiations with Tottenham have entered a decisive phase and could conclude for a sum close to €30 million plus bonuses. The Nerazzurri's management aims to finalize the operation before the start of the championship, allowing Cristian Chivu to finally have the new winger he requested.

Inter has never truly lost sight of the English full-back. The main obstacle was Tottenham's initial valuation, close to €40 million, as well as the need to obtain Roberto De Zerbi's approval for the transfer. However, with Tottenham lowering their demands, the margins for a positive outcome have significantly increased. In the meantime, Inter had also reopened the trail for Moussa Diaby, but encountered several obstacles: high wages, difficulties in negotiations with Al-Ittihad, and competition from Bayer Leverkusen. Spence is still considered a first choice. Compared to the Frenchman, he offers greater reliability in defense and, above all, considerable versatility, being able to play on both the right and left.

Monday, August 10

10:00 PM - Inter is still looking for a right-sided winger. Marchetti (Sky) stated: 'Spence is back in vogue, Tottenham has lowered its post-World Cup demands and is back in the picture. Nico Gonzalez remains. Be careful, as it's not guaranteed they won't sign both because Luis Henrique could leave: Inter is asking for €30 million. If this situation works out, Inter would sign one more defensive player like Spence and one more offensive player like Nico Gonzalez. Diaby has stalled a bit, Al-Ittihad hasn't opened to a counter-transfer. If Luis Henrique leaves, Inter will sign two wingers.'

9:11 PM - Romano on Spence: 'If Spence's exit conditions change, Inter remains absolutely attentive. There is no offer from another team for Spence today. Inter should absolutely be kept in the running if the exit conditions change. Inter remains in contact with Spence and I wouldn't rule out an Inter offer in the coming days to assess the feasibility of this operation.'

8:00 PM - According to Sky Sport, Roma is interested in Luis Henrique: Inter is asking for €30 million to sell the Brazilian winger, who continues to be monitored by Premier League clubs as well.

5:30 PM - The trail for Moussa Diaby is not yet closed for Inter, despite rumors in recent days suggesting the French winger was on the verge of returning to the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen would like to bring him back home, but has not yet made a decisive move. The situation remains fluid, as Al-Ittihad, his club from 2024, has not yet decided whether to authorize his sale. According to Sportitalia's reconstruction, there is an internal division within the Saudi club between coach Jens Wissing, who wants to keep him, and the management, who would welcome his departure. Developments in either direction could occur after the Asian Champions League qualifying playoff. Inter remains vigilant, with the issue of salary distribution being a key factor.

2:27 PM - A new potential twist in the race for Moussa Diaby. Bayer Leverkusen has been working diligently for days to bring the French winger from Al-Ittihad back to Germany, but the operation now risks becoming complicated for reasons independent of Inter's competition. As reported by BILD, the serious injury sustained by Roger Fernandes, sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament, could completely alter the Saudi club's plans.

Bayer had reached an agreement with Diaby for a contract valid until the summer of 2031. Negotiations with Al-Ittihad were also in a very advanced stage, with the parties essentially only needing to define the final transfer fee. The problem is that Roger Fernandes was considered Diaby's natural replacement within the Saudi squad. However, the serious knee injury will keep him out for several months. Diaby thus regains significant importance in Al-Ittihad's plans, and it is no longer a certainty that the club will authorize his departure.

Inter is inevitably monitoring the situation closely, as it considers Diaby one of the main candidates to strengthen Cristian Chivu's right flank. Bayer remains well ahead thanks to the agreement already reached with the player, but any stop imposed by Al-Ittihad could completely reopen the race. Inter is observing developments, waiting to see if a new opportunity might arise for the Nerazzurri.

12:30 PM - Curtis Jones's non-selection for Liverpool's last friendly did not go unnoticed. The official explanation from Iraola himself is an hip problem, and they preferred to keep him out rather than risk him in a context that was, to say the least, 'pointless.' In any case, Liverpool has a different view of the situation, believing it was an premature departure, and it's difficult to dispute their impression, considering Curtis's arguments with his teammates in the previous friendly.

In any case, the relationship between Inter and Liverpool has not changed. The player has already rejected the first renewal offer, and it seems no others will be submitted, at least for now. As for the financial demands, nothing has moved, with the Reds still firm on the €40 million requested at the start of the session.

Inter's main problem, however, remains numerical. Even if Inter were to find €40 million, until Frattesi and Asllani leave Inter, this marriage cannot happen. Inter would then have the wages of the two surplus players, resulting in a wage bill outside Oaktree's guidelines...

12:22 PM - Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Inter's right flank situation. As stated by the well-known transfer expert, Inter is currently at a disadvantage in the race for the Frenchman, with Leverkusen reportedly willing to offer more money. Spence's name should still be considered...

'Regarding Diaby, we need to see what happens with Leverkusen; Inter also believes the Germans are ahead. The German team also already has a base agreement with the player and has approached his club, expressing the possibility of paying more for the transfer fee than Inter was willing to offer. For Inter's winger, I would still consider Spence because, in terms of preference, if Romero doesn't arrive, Inter's investment could be shifted to the winger. If Spence's price drops in the coming weeks, I wouldn't rule out a renewed interest.'

Sunday, August 9

10:00 PM - As reported by Fabrizio Romano, there is still a significant distance between Inter and Liverpool regarding Curtis Jones. The Englishman remains a target for the Nerazzurri this summer, but the Reds are not budging from their €40 million demand, a figure Inter is still very far from.

9:45 AM - Inter continues to work on completing Cristian Chivu's squad and is keeping Curtis Jones's name alive. The Liverpool midfielder is particularly appreciated by the coach for his versatility: he can play as a mezzala, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and, if necessary, as a defensive midfielder. The Reds value him at around €40 million, a significant figure considering his contract expires in 2027. The future of Aleksandar Stankovic, who had a positive tour, could become decisive in financing the operation. Inter has already rejected €40 million from Brentford, but a higher offer could reopen discussions and provide resources for the pursuit of Jones.

Saturday, August 8

11:25 AM - Inter continues to evaluate potential reinforcements for the right flank after Denzel Dumfries' departure. The wing is one of the areas where the Nerazzurri management might still intervene, although Cristian Chivu is meanwhile looking for alternative solutions within the squad. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the main target remains Moussa Diaby, but the coach is making do with necessity by trying Andy Diouf in a wider position than the one usually occupied by the French midfielder. However, this choice does not exclude the arrival of a new winger. Among the profiles continuously monitored is Moussa Diaby, currently at Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman was already followed by the Nerazzurri during the winter transfer window, and his name remains on the management's list. Diaby can offer speed and unpredictability on the wing, characteristics considered useful to complete the department available to Chivu. However, Bayer Leverkusen, the club where Diaby previously played, is also monitoring the French winger. Inter continues to observe the situation without accelerating. The priority remains to understand the conditions and costs of the operation, while Chivu continues his tactical experiments with Diouf.

10:00 AM - Davide Frattesi's future could be decisive for Inter's transfer market. As reported by Tuttosport, Cristian Chivu continues to push for Curtis Jones, the Liverpool midfielder who was already closely followed during the winter transfer window. In January, the operation did not take off precisely because Frattesi did not leave for Nottingham Forest. The scenario is now similar: to create space in the squad and secure the necessary resources, Inter must first sell the Roman player and Kristjan Asllani.

Inter's initial asking price for Frattesi remains around €30 million, but an offer of approximately €25 million including bonuses could convince Inter to give the green light. No decisive offers have arrived from the Premier League yet, while Napoli and Roma, who were interested in the past, have not seriously reopened the file. Juventus remains in the background, where Frattesi is highly regarded by Luciano Spalletti and Carnevali. So far, the clubs have ruled out swap deals, first with Cambiaso and then with Nico Gonzalez, but new scenarios could open up in the final weeks of the market. A loan with an option to buy formula cannot be ruled out either.

Inter would be willing to offer €35 million including bonuses for Jones, while Liverpool is asking for €40 million. The contract expiry in 2027 could facilitate a compromise. However, first, Chivu awaits departures. And the search for a new right-sided winger also remains a priority in the market, while in defense, the Romero trail appears to have faded.

Friday, August 7

11:15 AM - Cristian Romero is increasingly distant from Inter. The Argentine defender is moving closer to Atletico Madrid. The Colchoneros will soon present a new offer to Tottenham, with Inter now, according to Fabrizio Romano, being 95% out of the race for Cuti. The non-sale of Pavard has blocked the operation with Spurs.

Thursday, August 6

1:30 PM - Djed Spence continues to be the Nerazzurri management's preference. All potential profiles have been analyzed, from Doué to Perisic, but none satisfy or fit the club's parameters. Tottenham is asking for €40 million, which is a lot, perhaps too much, but Spence is the profile Chivu has described.

Wednesday, August 5

1:45 PM - The pursuit of Cristian Romero to Inter risks becoming complicated. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms the latest rumors from Spain, which suggest Atletico Madrid has been strongly pursuing the 28-year-old Argentine central defender who is set to leave Tottenham after five years: 'There is still no agreement between Romero and Inter on salary. As of today, the Nerazzurri are not proceeding with the contract, and the Colchoneros are preparing an offer for the Argentine defender.'

1:30 PM - Inter is delaying on the Romero front; there is still no definitive agreement to bring the Tottenham central defender to Italy, and Atletico Madrid is trying to insert itself into this stalemate. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the Colchoneros have already secured the player's willingness to transfer and are now preparing an offer of around €30 million to convince Spurs as well. The pillar of the vice-world champion Argentina has never hidden his desire to play under Simeone.

11:30 AM - Primarily used as a deep-lying playmaker in pre-season, awaiting Hakan Calhanoglu's return, Aleksandar Stankovic continues to be a target for several foreign clubs. In particular, in recent hours, the Nerazzurri management has received an offer of €40 million from Brentford. However, the response was negative, as after bringing him back by exercising the buy-back clause (€23 million, compared to the €10 million received for his sale to Club Brugge twelve months earlier), Inter's intention is to rely on him decisively.

9:45 AM - Inter continues to insist on Cuti Romero. According to Corriere dello Sport, the agreement with the player is total for a contract of €5.5 million per season. Before closing the operation, the Pavard issue still needs to be resolved. The Frenchman's departure is fundamental for Inter to reach a definitive agreement. The agreement with Tottenham has been in place for days; now they are awaiting offers for Pavard to proceed with the finalization of the deal.

Tuesday, August 4

8:10 PM - In recent days, there has been talk of a possible return of Mateo Kovacic to Inter, more than 10 years after his transfer to Real Madrid in 2015. However, this possibility has been denied by the 32-year-old Croatian midfielder: 'I didn't sense any doubt from them. I spoke to them and also to the coach, and they told me they were counting on me, which was important for me to hear. Now, as I said, it's always up to us players to show our best version, because if we play well, the coach will put us first.'

And also, the new Manchester City coach, Enzo Maresca, explained: 'Mateo is our player. As long as he's here, he'll try to give his best. It's my duty to try and help players give their best. If he's here, I'm happy, and we'll continue working with him.' Inter continues its search for a right-sided winger to succeed the Dutchman Denzel Dumfries, who moved to Real Madrid for his €20 million release clause.

10:00 AM - One of the players monitored by the Nerazzurri club in this scenario is Moussa Diaby, an offensive player from Al Ittihad who was also a target for Inter in the winter transfer window. Now, compared to January, Inter intends to try to use a player – either Benjamin Pavard or Kristjan Asllani – to reduce the amount to be guaranteed to the Saudi club and effectively bring the player to Milan.

But it is from Germany, specifically from BILD, that news of advanced negotiations between the player's entourage and Bayer Leverkusen, the team that 'made him great' before his move to Saudi Arabia, has emerged. Further information concerns the economic plan of the operation: the German club could close for his purchase at a figure below the €30 million initially requested by Al Ittihad; the player could accept a salary offer of €6 million gross, less than half of what he currently earns in the Middle East.
In the coming hours, it will become clear how real Bayer Leverkusen's interest is in the former fan favorite and what counter-moves Inter might take to respond to this development.

Monday, August 3

4:45 PM - In his latest YouTube video, journalist Fabrizio Romano provides an update on Cristian Romero's situation: 'The timing of this operation is extremely important and should not be underestimated. It's not certain that there will be enough time to sign Cristian Romero, to wait until the 20th, 25th, or 30th of August. It's possible, it can't be ruled out, but today the feeling is that other clubs abroad are also starting to sniff out the opportunity to sign him, especially after his exceptional World Cup and a difficult season with the English club. From an economic standpoint, Inter is ready to close, meaning Tottenham would accept the conditions proposed a few weeks ago. The player has shown openness to Inter, on the same economic terms as Tottenham (€6 million, including bonuses). Now it's up to Inter, Oaktree must decide whether to give the green light, with sales also being a factor. For the green light, the events must intertwine.'

3:00 PM - Inter has practically closed the Romero deal. The Nerazzurri are ready to pay €40 million including bonuses to Tottenham, while the player, who would sign a four-year contract, would receive a salary of around €5.5 million per year. Everything is verbally agreed; now it's up to Inter, which strongly wants the defender, but is awaiting a significant sale, not necessarily Pavard.

8:50 AM - Inter is once again considering Moussa Diaby to strengthen its offensive flanks. The Nerazzurri club has reportedly requested new information on the 1999-born player, currently at Al Ittihad, confirming a technical appreciation that emerged in the past. According to Sky Sport, the Frenchman's profile is liked for his speed, ability to beat defenders, and versatility. Diaby can indeed play on both wings and would represent an ideal solution to increase unpredictability and depth in Cristian Chivu's team.

The inquiry demonstrates the management's desire to explore the market for a winger capable of raising the team's level. The player possesses different characteristics compared to the current squad members and could provide greater incisiveness in one-on-one situations. At the moment, however, no formal negotiation has been initiated with Al Ittihad.

The main difficulty lies in the salary the player earns in Saudi Arabia, which is difficult to sustain within the economic parameters of Inter and, more generally, Italian clubs. Should the inquiry turn into a concrete attempt, the first issue to resolve would be covering the salary. A significant reduction from the player or a financial contribution from Al Ittihad would be required.

Inter will continue to monitor the situation, ready to evaluate any openings in the coming weeks. The technical appeal is evident, but financial sustainability remains essential. Diaby therefore remains a fascinating idea, but still far from becoming a concrete operation.

Sunday, August 2

11:35 AM - Inter enters the decisive phase of the transfer market with several players still to be moved on. Among the main ones remains Benjamin Pavard, whose future could be linked to Cristian Romero's potential arrival, but the priority concerns the midfield. Cristian Chivu wants to work with seven midfielders and, after Ebenezer Akinsanmiro's departure, the positions of Kristjan Asllani, Yanis Massolin, and Davide Frattesi still need to be defined.

As highlighted by Il Corriere dello Sport, the sale of Frattesi would be the one capable of guaranteeing Inter the greatest economic return. The former Sassuolo player continues to have several admirers, and his departure would allow the Nerazzurri not only to reduce the squad size but also to free up resources to attempt a move for Curtis Jones.

Liverpool continues to value the English midfielder at around €40 million, but his contract expiring in 2027 could play in Inter's favor as weeks go by. The club does not want to rush and is confident that the August market could shift the balance of negotiations. In parallel, Inter continues to monitor the situation of Sebastiano Esposito, currently at Cagliari. The Nerazzurri have retained a 40% sell-on clause for the striker; a potential sale would therefore provide new resources to reinvest in the market.

9:48 AM - Davide Frattesi continues his pre-season preparation with Inter, but his future at the club is far from settled. As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, the midfielder has given his all during the training camp in Germany and is doing the same on the tour in the East, despite his story with the club seemingly coming to an end.

Frattesi's departure, however, could have a significant impact on Inter's next market moves. The midfielder remains one of the players with the most market value, and his sale would allow the club to free up space and resources for a new addition to the midfield.

The name at the top of Cristian Chivu's list is Curtis Jones. The English midfielder has already expressed his preference for a move to the Nerazzurri, but Liverpool continues to ask for €45 million, making the operation particularly complex. Frattesi's departure could therefore be decisive in unlocking the deal.

Inter would thus have the opportunity to monetize an important sale and, at the same time, bring in a midfielder with different characteristics requested by Chivu. It remains to be seen if significant offers will arrive in the coming weeks, as Inter does not intend to sell its player at a low price.

Saturday, August 1

1:30 PM - The sale of Akinsanmiro to Monza is official. The Nigerian midfielder transfers to Brianza on loan with a mandatory purchase option upon the occurrence of easy conditions. The overall operation is worth €7.5 million, with Inter also retaining a 10% sell-on clause for the player.

10:44 AM - The negotiation to bring Cristian Romero to Inter enters its decisive phase. According to ESPN Argentina through journalist Leo Paradizo, the Nerazzurri club and Tottenham have reached a verbal agreement for the transfer of the Argentine defender for €40 million. This is an important step after weeks of contact and after Piero Ausilio had publicly confirmed Inter's interest in the central defender.

Spurs had started with a request of around €50 million, but the Nerazzurri club managed to reduce the gap, reaching the figure they had identified as the limit for the operation. The formula could include a fixed amount accompanied by bonuses. However, the deal cannot yet be considered concluded. According to the Argentine source, a definitive agreement between Inter and Romero is still missing. The next discussions will serve to define the salary, contract duration, and bonuses in the new agreement. The defender had already shown openness to a move to Milan, but final approval is needed before proceeding with the final steps. Inter, in the meantime, can manage the situation without particular pressure after having already reinforced the defense with John Stones, who arrived on a free transfer.

After finding common ground with Tottenham, Marotta and Ausilio are called to the final step: definitively convincing Romero and transforming the verbal agreement with the English club into an operation that could provide Chivu with another top-level center-back.

9:19 AM - Curtis Jones continues to place Inter at the top of his preferences. The English midfielder's approval for the arrival of John Stones is a further indication of the relationship built with the Nerazzurri club, which had already tried to bring him to Milan in the past January transfer window without managing to close the operation due to timing and market fit issues. The situation has changed during the summer, writes Il Corriere dello Sport. With his contract expiring in 2027, Liverpool is no longer willing to consider a loan and continues to ask for around €40 million for the player's rights. Inter made initial inquiries on lower financial terms without finding any openings. For this reason, Marotta and Ausilio have decided to wait for the coming weeks, convinced that the Reds may lower their demands to avoid getting too close to the contract expiry.

For his part, Jones continues to wait for the Nerazzurri. The midfielder reportedly rejected interest from Nottingham Forest and has not changed his mind even after Iraola's arrival on the Liverpool bench. However, before making a decisive move, Inter will need to lighten its midfield with the departures of Yanis Massolin and, especially, Davide Frattesi, following the already finalized departure of Akinsanmiro. Cristian Chivu considers Jones the ideal profile to increase the quality and versatility of the midfield. However, Inter's market remains tied to operations for the right-winger and the trail leading to Cristian Romero. Before closing new signings, space needs to be created in the squad and financial resources freed up. August will therefore be the decisive month to transform the mutual preference between Jones and Inter into a concrete negotiation.