Chelsea ‘ready to break their own rule’ to complete second Arsenal transfer hijack

Chelsea are being credited with an interest in signing free agent John Stones, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal following the expiration of his Manchester City contract

Chelsea have reportedly expressed an interest in former Manchester City star John Stones, and could beat Arsenal to yet another deal this summer. The Blues look set to have another busy summer transfer window as they prepare for the new Premier League season.

Xabi Alonso has started pre-season training ahead of his first campaign as Chelsea boss, and could be about to be handed some new additions to his squad.

With the summer transfer window in full swing, reports have emerged claiming that 32-year-old Stones is now a target for Chelsea.

The Athletic have claimed that the Blues are weighing up making a move to sign the England international as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Man City.

The report claims that Chelsea are looking to add more experienced players to their squad, with Stones now being added to their shortlist of potential targets.

This approach would suggest Chelsea are going against their previous self-imposed rule of bringing in younger players with the potential to improve, in order to have greater sell-on value within their squad. It comes after their failed approach for Sunderland’s experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka earlier this summer

Stones spent a decade at the Etihad Stadium, making 295 appearances, and will now embark on a new challenge.

Until now, Stones has remained open to options for a new club, and it now remains to be seen if the centre-back will go on to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.

Reports emerged over the weekend claiming that Arsenal had shown an interest in signing Stones, with Chelsea now seemingly joining the race to secure the defender’s signature.

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The Sun reported that the Gunners were considering a move for Stones in the aftermath of the injury to France centre-half William Saliba during the World Cup, which could sideline him for months.

The latest news around Stones comes after it sensationally emerged on Saturday that Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

The Blues have reached a verbal agreement to sign Rogers for £117million, beating Arsenal to the England international’s signature with the Gunners being heavily linked with his signature over the last few months.

Should Stones go on to join Rogers at Chelsea, it would be another damning blow for champions Arsenal.

The defender is expected to have a summer break following his role in helping England reach the World Cup semi-final.