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Evening Standard

·27 July 2026

Evening Standard

·27 July 2026

Centre-back was crucial to Three Lions’ journey to World Cup semi-finals

The England star is now a free agent after leaving Manchester City when his contract ended, and his strong displays at the World Cup have put both London clubs on high alert.

The Gunners could be in the market for a new centre-back after they were left with an injury worry at this summer’s tournament, with William Saliba forced off during France’s semi-final against Spain because of a back issue.

The 25-year-old had said earlier in the tournament that he had been playing through pain for months in order to help Arsenal get over the line in their bid to win the Premier League and Champions League.

The north London side achieved the former, but fell at the final hurdle in the latter, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest.

Wanted man: John Stones

Getty

Standard Sport also understands that Chelsea are interested in Stones as Xabi Alonso aims to mould his squad in his own style after taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

Stones, 32, is on the Blues’ shortlist for centre-backs as they try to strengthen the depth at the heart of their defence.

Maxence Lacroix is expected to move across the capital and seal a £52million transfer from Crystal Palace, while Marco Palestra has been added as a flexible option at full-back. They are also keen on Pep Chevarria, the Rayo Vallecano left-back, to fill the gap left by Marc Cucurella.

However, the two Premier League clubs could now miss out on Stones completely, with widespread reports suggesting that the former Man City defender is in advanced talks with Inter Milan over a move to Serie A.

David Ornstein reports that the deal is on course to be finished by the end of this week, while Fabrizio Romano has gone further, saying that an agreement is already in place for the defender to make his move to the San Siro on a two-year contract.

Stones had an injury-hit final season at the Etihad Stadium, where he managed only 15 appearances in all competitions.

Across his decade in Manchester, he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League.