PL Giants ‘Interested’ In Sensational Free Transfer
We have seen some excellent free transfers flying through the doors thus far in the summer transfer window. Premier League talents such as Harry Wilson and Marcos Senesi have been snapped up without any cost – now, another could be on the way.
John Stones is a free agent since his contract at Manchester City expired. A few of the Premier League’s top teams have been linked with a move for the players, with Arsenal being named as one of his potential suitors.
This would be a headline-making move. Arsenal and City have developed a major rivalry over the past few seasons, as they have both been in contention for the league title.
Nevertheless, according to a recent report from Sky Sports, the Gunners are very much in contention to sign the 32-year-old. They’re also looking at a possible move for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, following news of William Saliba’s injury during the 2026 World Cup.
However, Arsenal are not the only team looking to snap Stones up. Chelsea are also thought to be in the mix, according to TalkSPORT.
Despite this, the Blues have recently struck a deal to bring Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix on board (via Florian Plettenberg on X), which could see their interest in the England international fade.
Tottenham Hotspur were also ‘considering’ a move for Stones back in May (via The Independent), though it is unclear if their interest in the player persists.
As well as this, Stones has also attracted attention from clubs abroad. Two Serie A clubs, Inter Milan (via Football Italia) and Juventus (via Fabrizio Romano on YouTube), have been linked with a move for the former Everton man over the last month.
John Stones 2025/26 Premier League stats
| Games | Goals | Assists | |
| J. Stones | 9 | 0 | 0 |
John Stones 2026 World Cup stats
| Games | Goals | Assists | |
| J. Stones | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Does John Stones still have something to offer to Arsenal?
At the age of 32, Stones isn’t over the hill quite yet. Unfortunately, though, he has struggled with injuries recently, missing the vast majority of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
He played just nine games for Manchester City in the league last season, with four of these coming from the bench. He did, however, put forth a solid contribution for England at the World Cup.
Stones provided experience that England’s backline was sorely lacking. Despite this, he has to take the blame for the goal that sent England out of the competition – his marking was far too loose, allowing Latauro Martinez to win his header virtually unchallenged.
With that being said, defending the box has never been Stones’ strong suit. At Arsenal, alongside Gabriel or Saliba, this deficiency can be accounted for.
Stones is still a phenomenal ball-playing centre-back, being able to bring the ball out of defence and cause advantageous turnovers. He has always been an underrated tackler, with his timing and conviction being spot-on during ground duels.
Stones might be beyond his best and injury prone, but on a free transfer, the Gunners have very little to lose in bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
