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Real Madrid’s decision to make Nico Paz available for €60 million has thrown Inter Milan’s summer strategy into uncertainty. The potential acquisition of the Argentine midfielder is prompting the Nerazzurri to rethink their approach to reinforcing the midfield — a move that could ultimately end their pursuit of Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.

As reported by Tuttosport, Inter had initially stepped back from the competition for Paz, choosing instead to allocate their transfer funds towards the Palestra operation. However, Madrid’s unexpected willingness to negotiate a sale — influenced by their own transfer priorities under José Mourinho, who has identified Alessandro Bastoni as a defensive target — has reopened discussions within Inter’s management.

The main obstacle remains financial. Securing Paz would demand a major cash injection from owners Oaktree, beyond the proceeds from the sales already being planned for this transfer window.

This is where the pursuit of Jones becomes integral to the equation. Inter had tabled a €20 million offer for the English midfielder, but according to Tuttosport, the club is now evaluating a strategic shift that would see Paz deployed as an attacking mezzala, similar to how Luis Alberto functioned under Simone Inzaghi during his Lazio tenure.

If Paz is brought in to fulfil that creative midfield role, the need for Jones would diminish, allowing the €20 million earmarked for the Liverpool player to be redirected towards the pursuit of Paz.

To further finance the deal, Inter would still require substantial outgoing transfers. Alexandar Stankovic’s stellar season at Club Bruges could yield around €40 million, while players such as Davide Frattesi, Luis Henrique, Benjamin Pavard, and Carlos Augusto are also viewed as potential departures.

It would represent an ambitious restructuring of the squad, but one that Inter’s hierarchy is prepared to consider if Real Madrid’s openness to parting with Paz proves genuine.