Arsenal target John Stones is set to become an Inter Milan player after Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal with his trademark “Here we go”, bringing an end to speculation surrounding the England international’s future.
The 32-year-old has reached a full agreement with the Serie A giants over personal terms and is now expected to undergo a medical in Milan before officially completing the move.
🚨⚫️🔵 BREAKING: John Stones to Inter, here we go! Approval on contract terms just arrived, all confirmed.
Deal until June 2028, no option for further year. Salary around €4m net per season.
Stones will undergo medical in Milano soon.
Story from today, confirmed. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/1lKvFvH2gk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
According to Romano, Stones will sign a contract running until June 2028, with no option for an additional year. The defender is set to earn a salary worth around €4 million net per season.
READ MORE: Arsenal tipped to complete huge deal for Vinicius Jr
The transfer also closes the door on any possibility of Arsenal pursuing the experienced centre-back this summer.
Stones had been mentioned among a number of defenders Arsenal were monitoring following William Saliba’s long-term back injury. While he was never understood to be the club’s primary target, his Premier League experience, leadership qualities and ability to operate both in defence and midfield made him one of several names linked with the Gunners.
Instead, Inter have moved quickly to secure his signature after Manchester City sanctioned his departure.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Stones leaves the Etihad Stadium following an outstanding spell in Manchester, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders. During his time under Pep Guardiola, he won multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup, while redefining the modern centre-back role through his ability to step into midfield.
His arrival gives Inter another experienced international defender as they look to challenge for both Serie A and Champions League honours.
For Arsenal, attention is expected to remain on alternative defensive targets as Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta continue their search for reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners have been linked with several central defenders in recent weeks, with strengthening the back line becoming an increasing priority following Saliba’s injury setback.
While Stones’ move to Italy removes one experienced option from the market, Arsenal are understood to have a number of other candidates under consideration as they continue planning for the new season.
With personal terms now fully agreed and only the medical remaining, Stones’ move to Inter is expected to be completed in the coming days, ending his successful chapter at Manchester City and beginning a new challenge in Serie A.
NEXT ARTICLE: Real Madrid stance on Vinicius Jr wages could hand Arsenal transfer hope
John Stones