John Stones wanted by second Premier League club as Arsenal face transfer competition

A shock Premier League club have emerged as a contender to sign free agent John Stones.

Despite playing an integral part in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, the central defender remains without a club as the Premier League season approaches and players return for pre-season training.

The 32-year-old’s Manchester City contract expired at the end of June, with Stones leaving the club as one of their greatest-ever defenders, helping them win 19 major trophies across a 10-year stint at the Etihad.

Last term, the defender was limited to just nine Premier League appearances despite insisting that he was fit for most of the season, with then-head coach Pep Guardiola opting for a favoured centre-back pairing of Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, while Ruben Dias also featured 26 times in the league.

And while Stones was surplus to requirements at City, reports have surfaced linking him with a move to reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

Last week, The Sun reported that the Gunners were lining up a free transfer for the veteran centre-back as back-up to the injured William Saliba, who faces a lengthy lay-off after sustaining a back injury at the World Cup, which may require surgery depending on the severity of the issue.

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Stones has worked with Mikel Arteta before when the Spaniard was Guardiola’s assistant at City.

However, Arsenal could face competition from London rivals Chelsea, with Sky Sports reporting that Xabi Alonso is considering a move for Stones as the Blues look to add players with Premier League experience who can hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already sold £130 million worth of players since Alonso’s arrival, with several more departures expected ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Stones’ England team-mate Trevoh Chalobah is linked with a move to Serie A, while Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi are among the defenders expected to leave this summer.

Chelsea have also held talks with Crystal Palace over signing France centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with the Eagles seeking a fee of more than £55 million.

Alonso has welcomed Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emgha to the club.

Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Jimmy-Jay Morgan have all departed.

What has John Stones said about his future?

Due to his well-documented injury problems throughout his career, Stones admitted he considered retiring in 2024.

However, he has since performed a U-turn and wants to continue playing at both club and international level.

Speaking to BBC Sport about that period in June, Stones explained: “It was a difficult period when I said that [about retiring] and I hope I don't get to that again.

“We can all compare ourselves to all the people or different players, different eras, and think about how their journey was or how it could have been different and I am a culprit of that - 'why are these things happening to me? It doesn't happen to other people'.

“And I really had to dig deep and I am proud of myself for being so mentally strong throughout and coming out the other end of those scenarios or situations.

“I feel like one of my greatest achievements is to keep coming back from those setbacks, no matter how big they are, and being on top form and going back into games and playing at such a high level.”