Arsenal are considering a surprise move for free agent John Stones after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. The 32-year-old defender is available after leaving Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season.
Stones available on free transfer
Stones ended a decade of domestic dominance with Manchester City before playing a key role in England's run to the World Cup semi-finals. With his contract expired, the veteran centre-back is now weighing up his next move.
According to The Sun, Arsenal view Stones as a cost-effective option to help cope with the potential absence of William Saliba. The French defender played through a back injury at the World Cup before breaking down in the semi-final defeat to Spain, and there are fears he could be sidelined for up to five months.
Arteta connection
Mikel Arteta knows Stones well from his time as an assistant coach at Manchester City. The opportunity to continue playing in the Premier League with a club competing for major honours would likely appeal to the player.
Stones is understood to have numerous options on the table, including from clubs abroad. He will consider his next move now that England's World Cup involvement is over.
Morgan Rogers chooses Chelsea
Arsenal's interest in Stones comes after Chelsea agreed a £117 million deal for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old had been courted by both clubs for months, with Arsenal long considered favourites to land the former Middlesbrough star.
However, it emerged on Saturday night that Chelsea have agreed a blockbuster fee, with Stamford Bridge emerging as Rogers' preferred destination.
