Mikel Arteta could be set for a reunion with one Manchester City star
John Stones after an England game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
John Stones is reportedly being lined up for a transfer to Arsenal after leaving Man City(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly plotting a surprise swoop for former Manchester City defender John Stones as the Gunners look for a solution amid concerns over an injury to William Saliba.
The French international has reportedly been playing with a back fracture since April and was forced off at half-time during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Saliba revealed: "I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. "But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.
"I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses. My back gave out."
The Sun claims the Gunners have turned their attention to Stones, who is a free agent after bringing a ten-year stint at Manchester City to an end this summer.
The 32-year-old made history in becoming the first unattached player to play for England at a World Cup and is someone Arteta knows well from his time at the Etihad Stadium.
The report claims Stones and his representatives will weigh up his options now that the World Cup is over, having played a key role in helping England finish in third place at this summer's tournament.
John Stones during a press conference
Arsenal are eyeing up a shock move for John Stones, according to reports(Image: Getty Images)
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It's said that Stones has interest from both clubs in England and abroad, while working with Arteta again would reportedly be an attractive proposition depending on game time.
Stones paid an emotional tribute when confirming his departure from City earlier this year. He said: "It's been my home for the past ten years and it will be my home for the rest of my life. it's been a rollercoaster in many ways.
"I came as a kid and now leaving as a man becoming a father a husband and on the pitch a very fulfilled player in living all of my dreams out and lifting all the things that I came here to achieve. At the start of my career I never would have thought I'd be in this position - first to achieve everything but to have and love the bond with everyone.
"Every dream has been smashed out of the park. From day one, as soon as I came I felt at home and I felt loved. I can only relate it to me as a little kid. If you'd said to me that I'd be playing at City winning everything, the fans are signing your name and your song throughout the stadium to wherever you go in the world, I don't think I would have believed them.
"The fans mean everything to me. I hope I've made them proud, I hope that they can relate to me as a person and as a player with how I've played, how I've represented the club and will do for the rest of my life.
John Stones after an England game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
John Stones left Man City this summer(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
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"All the setbacks that you have and the good things that you have came into light in that [Champions League final] game or after that game, it made it worthwhile what you have to go through that people don't necessarily see and to celebrate and do it in the fashion that we did with all my family and friends was incredible.
"The manager, how I could describe this ten years with him, I don't think it would have been anywhere as successful without him. The first time that I met him, I left and knew that it was what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be playing under the best manager in the world.
"I'm so grateful that I've been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him and share and have so many incredible moments together. I feel very lucky and grateful for what he's done for me. I've got endless memories with everyone and ones that I'll cherish forever.
"I've been so lucky to be in every dressing room with incredible people and I'm so glad I've been able to do it with all of them. It will always be my home and I'm thankful from the bottom of my heart. This is my team forever and always will be and I don't have the words to say what I feel and how much I love everything about it."