Chelsea eye John Stones free transfer as Xabi Alonso seeks leader for new look defence | OneFootball

Chelsea are weighing up the signing of John Stones as a free agent as the club consider centre-back signings.

Stones is seeking a new challenge after leavingManchester City this summer at the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old has interest from the Premier League and Serie A, and will assess his options following the 2026 World Cup.

Stones made five appearances at the World Cup as England secured a third-place finish. According toSky Sports, Chelsea view Stones as an experienced option that can come in and make an immediate impact under Xabi Alonso.

The new head coach prefers a three-man centre-back system, with Stones under consideration to add leadership to an inexperienced squad.

Arsenal, Everton, Juventus and Inter Milan have also been named as suitors for Stones, who won 15 major trophies during his time at the Etihad. The defender, who has won 94 caps for England, is one of several options Chelsea are considering.

The Blues have alsoheld talks with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix, who is valued at around £55m at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea's interest in defensive signings comes amid approaches for Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A sides. Como and Inter Milan have both approached Chelsea for Chalobah, while Badiashile has loan interest from Napoli.

Chelsea are in the midst of an active summer of recruitment. The club confirmed the £117m record signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough on Tuesday and have also secured a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.