Arsenal and Chelsea dealt transfer blow as 'agreement reached' for England star | OneFootball

Centre-back was key to Three Lions’ run to World Cup semi-finals

The England star is a free agent after leaving Manchester City upon the expiry of his contract, and his impressive performances at the World Cup put both London clubs on red alert.

The Gunners could be in the market for a new centre-back after they were handed an injury concern at this summer’s tournament, with William Saliba forced off in France’s semi-final against Spain with a back problem.

The 25-year-old had revealed earlier in the tournament that he had been playing through the pain barrier for months to get Arsenal over the line in their quest to win the Premier League and Champions League.

The north Londoners did the former, but fell at the last hurdle in the latter, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest.

In demand: John Stones

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Standard Sport also understands that Chelsea hold an interest in Stones as Xabi Alonso looks to shape his squad in his own image after taking the reins at Stamford Bridge.

Stones, 32, is on the Blues’ centre-back shortlist as they look to strenghten their depth at the heart of their defence.

Maxence Lacroix is set to move across the capital and complete a £52million switch from Crystal Palace, while Marco Palestra has been added as a versatile option at full-back. They are also interested in Pep Chevarria, the Rayo Vallecano left-back, to replace the departed Marc Cucurella.

Now, however, the two Premier League sides could be set to miss out on Stones altogether, with widespread reports indicating that the former Man City defender is in advanced talks with Inter Milan over a move to the Serie A.

David Ornstein reports that the deal is on track to be completed by the end of this week, while Fabrizio Romano has gone one further, reporting that there is an agreement in place for the defender to complete his switch to the San Siro on a two-year deal.

Stones had an injury-hit final campaign at the Etihad Stadium, where he was limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions.

In his decade in Manchester, he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and three League Cups and the Champions League.