According to reports in The Sun, Arsenal are thought to be interested in signing Manchester City defender John Stones in the summer. The defender is open to a transfer after falling out of favour with Guardiola, with Everton also keen on a reunion with their former player.
John Stones joined Manchester City for £47m in 2016 and at the time, it seemed like a perfect fit. The defender seemed to establish himself quickly and formed part of Man City’s backbone as they challenged for the Premier League.
He’s since won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2018 and 2019, the EFL Cup in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the FA Cup in 2019. So, it’s slightly confusing that the player has suddenly become surplus to requirements at 26 years of age, but it does appear that he will leave in the summer.
The English defender is said to be unhappy at his exclusion from the first team and also that’s his relationship with his manager Pep Guardiola is not as strong as it once was. So, the press has begun a list of alternative clubs and the top two at present are Arsenal (of course) and Everton, both of which need defensive reinforcements.
Everton appears to be the better option because Stones originally left them to join Manchester City and still has many friends in the area. It’s harder to see a link to the Gunners with William Saliba ready to rejoin them and the recent acquisition of Pablo Mari.
Arsenal are currently top-heavy with CB’s and are looking to offload players in the summer, so would they go for Stones? His current valuation is around £32m which seems slightly too rich for Arsenal with their priorities elsewhere.
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Rob Holding is looking to secure a regular starting slot in the first team and if Stones arrived, it would virtually signal his departure.
Of course, it can’t be ruled out entirely until Arsenal reveal a list of the players that aren’t in Arteta’s plans. Dayot Upamecano or John Stones? There’s a distinct difference.
