The Jones Finale: Marotta's Calculated Clear-Out To Secure Curtis

The puzzle is nearly complete. By slicing the fringe and balancing the books for Oaktree, Marotta is paving a clear runway for the arrival of Curtis Jones.

The Oaktree Financial Tetris

The final days of the mercato have transformed Viale della Liberazione into a high-stakes accounting firm. The mission is clear: stay under Oaktree’s strict €200m squad cost limit. It isn't about lacking cash—it’s about structural room. To bring in a profile like Curtis Jones, who has been Chivu’s priority for weeks, Inter must first shed the weight of fringe earners. As reported across major outlets, the board is working on a delicate "one out, one in" dance to satisfy the American owners while handing Chivu his final tactical weapon.

The Three-Man Exit Ramp

Three specific names are carrying the keys to the Jones deal. Kristjan Asllani is currently reflecting on a move to Monza—a paid loan that would wipe his salary off the books. Joining him in the departure lounge is the young French midfielder Massolin, targeted by Sassuolo on loan. Finally, the Luis Henrique situation is reaching its climax; a loan to Roma with an option would clear the final millions needed. Combined, these operations generate the roughly €14m in structural space required to green-light the English midfielder's arrival.

Chivu’s Final Piece

Cristian Chivu has reportedly signed off on this strategy, valuing the tactical leap Jones provides over the squad depth offered by the departing trio. Jones brings that "box-to-box" dynamism and technical press-resistance that Chivu believes is the only thing missing from this double-star-chasing engine. With the fringe players taking time to "reflect" on their destinations, the tension at headquarters is palpable. Marotta and Ausilio have balanced the books; now they just need the players to say "yes."

The ForzaIM Take

This is peak Marotta and Ausilio—managing the bank balance like a Swiss clockmaker while keeping the competitive level of the squad rising. It’s hard to see a professional like Asllani go, but the jump from him to Curtis Jones is exactly what’s needed for a deep Champions League run and the defense of our Scudetto. If these exits are finalized by Friday, the management will have pulled off yet another masterclass in the shadow of Oaktree's constraints.

Forza Inter sempre!