John Stones has reached a verbal agreement to join Inter Milan on a free transfer, according to reports in Italy. The defender attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, ten years after his £50million move from Everton.
Despite an injury-affected league campaign, the 32-year-old delivered a timely reminder of his quality with his performances for England at the World Cup this summer. Stones started three games for the Three Lions as Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the semi-finals before a late defeat to eventual runners-up Argentina.
Arsenal and Chelsea Miss Out
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal had been weighing up a move for Stones, particularly after news that William Saliba will be out for an extended period due to a back injury. Chelsea have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, as they seek to add some much-needed experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad. However, both Premier League clubs appear to have lost out in the race to sign Stones, with Sky Italy reporting that Inter have reached an agreement on a two-year deal for the central defender.
Juventus are also said to have been interested in signing Stones, but Inter now appear set to complete a deal by the end of the week. Cristian Chivu’s side, who won Serie A last year, have already signed midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio this summer.
Inter Also Eyeing Cristian Romero
Inter also remain interested in trying to sign Cristian Romero, who is poised to leave Tottenham this summer after five seasons in north London. Speaking to Sky Italy, Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, said: ‘It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club. These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see. We are interested in signing Cuti Romero. We have met his agent and we have already talked with Tottenham. Let’s see what happens.’
