Arsenal look set to miss out on Morgan Rodgers as Chelsea swoop in, but there is still a chance they could sign a key member of England’s World Cup squad in the coming weeks.
Arsenal could raid free agent John Stones (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
John Stones has emerged as a surprise target for Arsenal after the World Cup, with the veteran defender available on a free transfer.
Stones ended Manchester City’s 10-year domestic domination at the end of the Premier League season, before heading to the World Cup with England and playing a key role in helping the team reach the semi-finals.
Stones is currently deciding on his next move, with the 32-year-old’s ability and rich top-flight pedigree making him an attractive proposition for elite clubs. And Arsenal appear to be in need of defensive reinforcements due to concerns over William Saliba.
The Arsenal star played through the World Cup with a back injury and now fears Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months after suffering an injury in France’s semi-final loss to Spain.
Stones’ availability is seen as a cost-effective option for Arsenal in Saliba’s absence, according to The Sun, claiming the newly-crowned Premier League champions could make an immediate move for a player who has been in the title race for years.
Mikel Arteta knows Stone well from his time as assistant coach at Manchester City, and the chance to continue playing in the Premier League with a club poised to compete for major honours will likely be attractive to the player.
Stones, who is understood to have a number of options on the table, including overseas suitors, will be considering his next move now that England’s involvement in the World Cup is over.
Morgan Rodgers set to join Chelsea instead of Arsenal (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s interest in Stones follows bombshell news that one of their main summer transfer targets, Morgan Rodgers, is closing in on a blockbuster move to Chelsea.
The 23-year-old has been receiving offers from both clubs for several months and Arsenal are keen to improve Rodgers’ attacking left flank.
And although Arsenal have long been considered front-runners to sign the former Middlesbrough star, it was revealed on Saturday night that Chelsea had agreed a £117m deal to sign the Aston Villa attacker, with Stamford Bridge emerging as Rodgers’ preferred destination despite Arsenal’s interest.
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