Chelsea ‘to consider’ John Stones move that could disrupt Arsenal plans | OneFootball

Chelsea are weighing a move for free agent John Stones after his Manchester City contract expired, The Athletic reports, a pursuit that could complicate Arsenal’s summer.

Sky Sports says Arsenal view Stones as a possible replacement for William Saliba, who could face a lengthy lay-off with a back injury sustained at the World Cup, with scan results to determine if surgery is required.

The Blues have embarked on another rebuild under a new head coach. Up to £117m is lined up for Morgan Rogers, £48.5m has gone on right-back Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix is a key target for a similar fee, and talks continue for Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarría for £40m or more.

Trevoh Chalobah is increasingly likely to join Como for around £35m, and Chelsea are open to offers for Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile and possibly Tosin Adarabioyo. Stones, 32, is viewed as a short-term, ball-playing option who could add experience to Xabi Alonso’s defence.

Stones delayed a decision while playing for England at the World Cup and now has multiple admirers, with Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich among clubs believed to have opened talks. Chelsea also like Como’s 21-year-old Jacobo Ramón, and any bid for Stones would be separate from other pursuits.

There is no certainty Chelsea will table an offer, and the player’s destination remains unclear with no public signals on preferences or wages. Claims of talks with Chelsea have not been corroborated by trusted outlets, and interest is understood to be at a theoretical stage.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk