AC Milan and Everton set for summer transfer battle over Manchester City defender | OneFootball

The possibility of securing John Stones on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer has sparked interest from across Europe.

The 31-year-old England international is rapidly approaching the conclusion of a five-year contract extension signed back in 2021, with his current deal at the Etihad Stadium set to expire on June 30, 2026.

For the time being, there has been no official word or reports concerning a possible renewal from Manchester City’s hierarchy, with the veteran now becoming one of the most coveted potential free agents on the market.

Under Pep Guardiola, John Stones evolved into a tactical hybrid, famously operating as a defender-midfielder during Manchester City’s historic Treble success of 2022/23.

However, as the club looks toward a summer of rejuvenation under Sporting Director Hugo Viana, and with the recent £20 million arrival of Marc Guéhi in January signalling a changing of the guard, Stones appears increasingly likely to seek a new challenge.

The Milan Project: Why the Rossoneri Want a Man City Double Raid

Now, according to new claims, AC Milan are interested in signing John Stones alongside his Manchester City teammate and Croatia international Mateo Kovacic during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

The Italian giants would no doubt face competition for either player, but particularly Stones with his former club Everton reportedly having also sounded out his situation and manager David Moyes wanting to secure him on a free transfer.

The link to AC Milan in the case of Mateo Kovacic is perhaps bolstered by the presence of Luka Modrić at the San Siro, potentially aiding the pursuit of his compatriot.

Emotional Homecoming? David Moyes’ Plan for a Stones Reunion

For Stones, the allure of Serie A – a league historically receptive to intelligent, ball-playing defenders – could offer the perfect environment to extend his career at the highest level of European football.

Closer to home, the narrative of a return to Everton carries emotional weight, given the fact that current boss David Moyes originally signed Stones for the Toffees at Goodison Park back in 2013.

With Everton still audaciously battling for a European place and just two points outside of the Premier League’s top seven, the addition of a serial winner like John Stones on a free transfer could be viewed by club insiders as a transformative opportunity.