Chelsea have reportedly shown an inclination to sign John Stones from Manchester City, a player who has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time.
The Mirror is claiming: “Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is hoping to snap up Manchester City defender John Stones in a bargain £20million deal.
“It’s believed Guardiola who seems to have lost faith in the Three Lions man is prepared to cut his losses on the player who joined from Everton for £47 million four years ago.
“That has sparked interest from Stamford Bridge boss Lampard who feels he can resurrect the central defender’s career.
“But Chelsea will only do business if City are prepared to take a substantial loss on the Barnsley born player with a bid of £20 million being mooted.”
Is John Stones likely to join Chelsea next season?
The signing of Nathan Ake means Pep Guardiola will have no problem in letting John Stones leave but the entry of Chelsea spoils all the plans for the Arsenal manager.
The Blues can offer the 26-year-old Champions League football next season and if he is looking to play in the top tier of Europe there’s no way Arsenal will be able to get their hands on him.
But at Stamford Bridge, John Stones will have to fight for his place against players like Zouma, Christensen and Rudiger. And at Arsenal, he is more or less going to be a guaranteed starter next season.
Also, Chelsea are willing to spend on £20million on the England international and we are not sure if Man City will be ready to accept such a low transfer fee for a player who still has two years left on his current deal.
Arsenal undoubtedly need a new centre-back for the 2020-21 season but what remains to be seen is if the North London side are willing to pay £30-odd million for Stones.
