Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for an established Premier League star - who also happens to be on Arsenal’s radar.
If Chelsea hoped to shake off their reputation as a team who exist in a constant state of churn, they’ve gone about it in a strange manner. Having signed a new manager, they now seem dead set on signing most of a new team – with a major overhaul of the defence among the projects being undertaken.
While the impending arrival of Morgan Rogers in a deal expected to be worth as much as £117m will grab the headlines, Chelsea are also working to sell several members of the current defence and sign replacements. A reported £48.5m has already been spent on right-back Marco Palestra, Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is a key target who could cost a similar sum, and the Blues are also in talks to sign Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarría, which could be another £40m or more.
New season, new head coach, same old Chelsea, then – yet again, they’re moving on quickly from underperforming players and splashing significant sums on a string of young stars. But for once, they may have a slightly more budget-conscious deal in mind as well, and one which could scupper Arsenal’s plans for the summer transfer window to boot.
Chelsea considering bid for John Stones – reports
John Stones played in five of England's 2026 World Cup matchesplaceholder image
John Stones played in five of England's 2026 World Cup matches | Getty Images
Chelsea might generally target younger – and frankly more expensive – players, but according to a new report from The Athletic they’re also considering a move for veteran centre-half John Stones, who is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Manchester City.
Stones had delayed any decision about his future while he played for England at the World Cup, and his impressive performances over the summer served as a timely reminder of his quality, while providing evidence that his technique has not suffered after several seasons of persistent injury problems. Now that he’s back on home soil, he seems to have a raft of new suitors.
Several sides have been linked with the 32-year-old, both in England and abroad, but Chelsea now appear to have been added to his list of admirers, seeing him as a short-term option who could offer some sorely-needed experience in the heart of a defence which struggled to keep opposing attacks at bay.
With Trevoh Chalobah looking increasingly likely to depart for Italian outfit for Como for a transfer fee of around £35m and the likes of Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile and potentially Tosin Adarabioyo up for sale, there should be room in the squad for another defender, and Stones’ ball-playing qualities should suit Xabi Alonso’s fast-paced but technical style of play.
Should they make a bid, then Chelsea could also throw a wrench into Arsenal’s plans. The Gunners are another new name on Stones’ list of admirers, and according to Sky Sports they see him as a possible replacement for William Saliba, who could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a back injury he sustained while playing for France at the World Cup.
Both teams appear to be keeping a watching brief for now as they consider their options. Arsenal are waiting on the results of scans which will determine whether Saliba needs surgery, while Chelsea have other players on their mind other than Stones and Lacroix – Como’s Jacobo Ramón, for instance, is another player they admire, and the club have yet to make final determinations on how to spend all of their remaining transfer budget.
The two cross-city rivals may need to hurry up somewhat. A number of teams appear to have opened talks with Stones’ representatives, with Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich all seemingly keen. Chelsea and Arsenal may need to make their mind up sooner rather than later.
Will Stones sign for Chelsea this summer?
Stones made 295 appearances for Manchester City before leaving on a free transferplaceholder image
Stones made 295 appearances for Manchester City before leaving on a free transfer | Getty Images
As it stands, it’s far from certain that Chelsea will offer Stones a contract, but all signs point to sincere and genuine interest, albeit interest that is shared by a number of other teams.
At this point, gauging Stones’ most likely destination is all but impossible. The player has provided no public indications of his preferences – whether he would like to remain in the United Kingdom or travel abroad, for instance, or whether he wants to be a regular starter or is content to be a rotational player – and there have been no leaks regarding different clubs’ salary offers.
It’s also far from certain that Chelsea will make a move. Although some online gossip websites have expanded The Athletic’s story to claim that talks have begun, no reliable outlet has yet suggested that their interest has moved beyond a purely theoretical stage.
21-year-old Como defender Ramón would represent a more typical Chelsea target under normal circumstances, given his age and potential, but there are other teams in the picture for the Spaniard – including Arsenal, coincidentally – and given the likely high cost of a deal it’s more probable that Ramón is an alternative to Lacroix rather than Stones. Any bid for Stones that may materialise is likely to be separate from other negotiations.
Stones could just as easily end up in North London as Serie A as back at his old club Everton, and all that can be said with any certainty is that Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call him up to the World Cup squad has done wonders for the final act of his career – but that final act could easily play out in yet another shade of blue.