Inter are in negotiations to sign central defender John Stones as a free agent. Discussions are ongoing with the aim of completing the transfer within the current week. This potential move could see Stones reunite with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who has joined Inter permanently after a loan spell.
The Italian champions have also secured the signings of Serbia international midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio this summer. Inter were crowned Italian champions for the 21st time in their first season under coach Cristian Chivu, having reached the Champions League final the previous year, where they were defeated 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.
Interest from across Europe
City announced that Stones would depart the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer after 10 years. It was anticipated that several top clubs across Europe would be interested in signing the defender.
Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in Stones. Arsenal is exploring options for centre-back cover due to William Saliba’s back injury, while Chelsea has been looking to add an experienced defender. Chelsea is also in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and is assessing other market options, including Jacobo Ramon from Como.
The defender became a free agent when his City contract concluded at the end of June. Chelsea has also announced the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and is in discussions with Villa regarding Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho moving on loan.
Chelsea is also looking to sell central defenders to create space in their squad. Trevoh Chalobah is in talks to join Como, and Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are among those available for sale.
Stones’ career and fitness
Stones had a notable World Cup for England, contributing to the team’s progression to the semi-finals. He participated in five of the eight matches, delivering strong defensive performances against Mexico, where he came on as a second-half substitute.
Stones joined City from Everton in the summer of 2016. He established himself in the first team and was a regular during the club’s successful period under Pep Guardiola. In his 10 seasons at City, Stones made 295 appearances.
He was part of six Premier League title-winning campaigns, and also secured the 2023 Champions League, five League Cups, and three FA Cups. Additionally, he won three Community Shields, the Club World Cup, and the Uefa Super Cup with City.
The former Barnsley defender also has 93 international caps and was part of the Three Lions squad that finished third at the World Cup.
Despite his age, Stones remained a part of England’s plans throughout their run to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, starting three matches, including the quarter-final and semi-final, and was introduced from the bench in the last-16 win over Mexico.
His stock remains high across Europe, with clubs viewing his availability as a unique market opportunity. Inter and Juventus have both entered formal negotiations with his representatives. According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international is considering a move to Italy, a destination he is open to as he seeks a new challenge.
Whichever club signs Stones will be taking on some risk due to his injury history. He managed only 439 minutes of Premier League football last season because of thigh, calf, and muscle issues, following a similarly interrupted campaign before that in which he played just 547 minutes.
He never exceeded 59 per cent of available league minutes in any single season during his decade at City. This injury history could influence the terms of any contract he receives.
Source: nytimes.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”