Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a surprise summer move for John Stones and are ready to battle local rivals Arsenal for the Manchester City defender.
According to an exclusive Football Insider report, John Stones might be set for a move to London in the summer. Arsenal have been rumoured to be interested in the player. But, the latest reports highlight Chelsea taking a keen look at the Manchester City star as an option to address the growing defensive concerns at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal and Chelsea aren’t the only two clubs interested in Stones. Former club Everton are also eyeing a move for the English international as Carlo Ancelotti looks to revamp an ageing squad at Goodison Park. A potential grassroots return might hold an upper hand, with Stones struggling to get going at Manchester City.
Stones had managed a good initial impression at the Etihad. But, as years passed, Pep Guardiola has often chosen not to put his faith in the English international, mainly due to his inability to adapt completely to his style of football along with low aerial ability and composure.
There are reports that Manchester City will listen to offers for Stones in the summer as Guardiola plans another spending spree to address the problem area. Stones, though, will have the pick of the lot by the looks of it, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton all keen on the 26-year-old.
Chelsea have impressed the onlookers under Frank Lampard. But, their defensive frailties have often gotten the better of them, the latest example coming in the 5-3 demolition at the hands of newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Frank Lampard is looking to add a central defender, with Jose Gimenez’s name also coming up.
Mikel Arteta is quietly springing up another Premier League revolution at Arsenal. The youthful side has already started turning heads, with defence still being a weak spot. Stones has experience at the top level now and will be a quality addition to the Arsenal squad.
Everton would love to bring the academy graduate back to Goodison Park and lead the revamp under Ancelotti, who will be determined to improve on the disappointing 2019-20 season.
Stones, with his Premier League experience, might be a viable option for all the teams, considering he would be a more approachable and cheaper target as well. Manchester City will be looking to cash in on the 26-year-old, with Guardiola eyeing more exploits in the transfer market.
Chelsea might be a more lucrative project than others in terms of future potential while Everton will have more emotional appeal. It will be interesting to see what turn Stones’s career takes in the summer of 2020.
