We have seen Premier League players make very unpopular transfers between rival clubs, but have become accustomed to seeing one Chelsea player after another end up at Arsenal. So when City giant John Stones is linked to Arsenal on a free transfer, it seems completely logical.
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have the league’s best centre-back pair in William Saliba and Gabriel. A prerequisite for winning the back-to-back title is that the central defense continues to be tight, robust and feared. It was therefore with horror and horror, that the Arsenal supporters saw “their” Saliba pick up an unfortunate injury in the World Cup. The solution may lie in a clubless centre-back who showed in the World Cup he holds the level.
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It is feared that Saliba could be out with a back injury for five months, for Mikel Arteta a problem that needs to be solved before the start of the season. Before the World Cup, John Stones was praised by Manchester City supporters after long and faithful service with 295 games and a bunch of title medals. The 32-year-old walked out of the Etihad one last time at the end of the season. At Thomas Tuchel and England, Stones has been part of the starting eleven in 4 World Cup games, little doubt that the 32-year-old keeps the intensity and punch.
According to The Sun , Arsenal are considering a free agent signing of Stones if Saliba’s injury proves to be serious.
While everything from the English newspaper should be taken with a grain of salt, this is a logical transition, both for the Stones and the reigning Premier League champions.
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Stones has also expressed a strong desire to develop his coaching skills. Any potential deal is expected to include a pathway for him to gain coaching experience, potentially through structured development opportunities at the club. Arsenal are believed to have a slight lead in the race for signing, thanks to Stones’ close relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.
The two worked together during Arteta’s tenure as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, and the Gunners see the versatile centre-back as ideal short-term cover amid defensive concerns. According to Teamtalk’s sources, a contract for the 32-year-old Stones will provide a mix of competitive football and title fighting, plus a platform to start his coaching journey.
We won’t be surprised if Stones shows up in an Arsenal shirt.
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