How Inter’s Nico Paz interest could reshape their pursuit of Liverpool man Jones
Real Madrid’s decision to make Nico Paz available for €60 million has thrown Inter’s summer planning into fresh uncertainty, with the possibility of signing the Argentine forcing the club to fundamentally reconsider their approach to the midfield market, and potentially shelving their pursuit of Curtis Jones entirely.
According to Tuttosport, Inter had previously stepped back from the Paz race, redirecting their budget towards the Palestra operation.
But Madrid’s unexpected openness to a sale, driven by their own recruitment priorities under José Mourinho, who has Bastoni on his defensive shortlist, has reopened conversations at the Nerazzurri.
The challenge is financial: signing Paz would require an extraordinary budget injection from owners Oaktree, on top of the sales already planned.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Paz as Inter’s Luis Alberto could make Jones signing redundant this summer
This is where the Jones situation becomes directly relevant. Inter had offered Liverpool €20 million for the English midfielder, but Tuttosport reports that the club are now considering a tactical pivot, deploying Paz as an offensive mezzala in the mould of Luis Alberto during Inzaghi’s Lazio years.
If Paz fills that creative midfield role, Jones becomes unnecessary, and his €20 million budget can be redirected towards the Paz operation.
To fund the deal further, Inter would need a significant sales campaign. Alexandar Stankovic‘s outstanding season at Bruges could generate around €40 million, while Frattesi, Luis Henrique, Pavard and Carlos Augusto are all candidates for departure.
It is an ambitious restructuring, but one the club are prepared to consider if Paz’s availability proves genuine.
