Inter target Chelsea's Chalobah and Liverpool's Jones after Palestra setback
Quick summary
Inter Milan are exploring alternative options in Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones after their pursuit of Palmeiras player (Palestra) hit a snag.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter have been forced to redraw their transfer plans, with several of their early targets falling by the wayside.
The most painful was Marco Palestra, all but secured before Chelsea swooped in, while the move for Udinese’s Oumar Solet has cooled sharply, the door left only slightly ajar.
The pursuit of Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, meanwhile, has run into the Reds’ steep £35 million valuation, prompting the Nerazzurri to widen their search.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport , The technical brief hasn’t changed, even if the names have. Cristian Chivu’s side need a right-sided wing-back to succeed Denzel Dumfries, a couple of centre-backs following the exits of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, and a midfielder to inject fresh energy, with Davide Frattesi potentially making way.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Inter target Chelsea’s Chalobah and Union SG’s Khalaili On the flank, Inter have turned to Anan Khalaili, but they arrive late: Napoli have long courted the Israeli and already have an agreement with his entourage.
Talks with Union Saint-Gilloise are stalled, with the Belgian club holding out for at least €25 million, and doubts remain over whether Khalaili is ready to inherit Dumfries ‘ role.
In defence, Trevoh Chalobah is admired, though Chelsea want around €30 million plus bonuses, Como saw a €25 million approach rebuffed. The England defender, fresh from a standout season and a World Cup call-up, has drifted in and out of Inter’s thinking across three summers.
In midfield, Jones remains sporting director Piero Ausilio’s stated preference, with Inter hoping the player’s own desire can soften Liverpool’s stance.
Nottingham Forest have also entered the race, while weighing a move for Frattesi. Between the posts, Lazio’s Ivan Provedel is lined up as alternate to Josep Martínez, a €3 million deal agreed in principle pending Claudio Lotito’s green light.
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What happened
Inter Milan have reportedly pivoted their transfer plans following a setback in negotiations with Palmeiras (referred to as 'Palestra'). The Nerazzurri are now considering Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah as a defensive reinforcement, while also exploring the possibility of signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. The shift suggests Inter are actively seeking versatile options to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes, with both Premier League-based players representing alternative profiles to their original target.
Chance analysis
Inter's pivot to Premier League-based targets indicates urgency in the market, possibly due to defensive depth concerns or midfield creativity needs. Chalobah, a right-footed centre-back comfortable playing right-back, would add tactical flexibility, while Jones offers technical quality in central midfield. The fact that Inter are targeting two players from direct Champions League competitors suggests confidence in their financial position. However, pulling players from Chelsea and Liverpool mid-window is notoriously difficult, so this remains a speculative pursuit at this stage.
If successful, Inter would gain squad depth in defense and midfield, but the difficulty of extracting players from Chelsea and Liverpool makes this a low-probability scenario in the short term.
Monitor Inter's defensive and midfield depth closely; if either signing materializes, expect tactical adjustments in their Serie A and Champions League campaigns.