John Stones
CB • Linked from Manchester City
Stones became a free agent when his Manchester City contract expired at the end of June, bringing an end to a decade at the Etihad after 295 appearances since his 2016 move from Everton. Chelsea are among several clubs exploring a move, along with Arsenal and Inter Milan, as they look to add experienced cover at centre-back. The 32-year-old impressed for England at the World Cup, including a strong showing in the semi-final defeat to Argentina, which has only increased his profile on the free agent market.
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Stones delivered an impressive performance for England in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, a display that reportedly strengthened his negotiating position as a free agent. Chelsea are said to be moving from monitoring the situation to actively exploring a concrete approach. No agreement has been reported yet, with Stones expected to weigh up several offers before deciding on his next club.
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Chelsea emerged as one of several clubs monitoring Stones' situation, with reports describing initial interest as Xabi Alonso's side looked to add experienced depth at centre-back. Arsenal were also credited with interest, reportedly driven partly by concerns over William Saliba's fitness. Inter Milan were separately linked from Serie A.
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Manchester City confirmed John Stones would leave the club as a free agent once his contract expired at the end of June, closing out a nine-year spell in Manchester. Stones made 295 appearances for City after joining from Everton in 2016 for £47.5m. His departure freed him to negotiate with any club without a transfer fee being involved.
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