Xabi Alonso looks on during the Chelsea Open Training Session at Allianz Stadium on July 26, 2026 in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
Talks are reportedly taking place now for Chelsea to snap up free agent John Stones ahead of rivals Arsenal.
The experienced England international left Manchester City at the end of his contract this summer, and this has sparked a lot of interest in him.
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Arsenal could do with more depth at the back, especially after William Saliba’s injury during the World Cup, so they are said to be one of the clubs looking at Stones, according to the Irish Sun.
However, it appears that Chelsea are working on a deal as we speak, according to reliable Blues source Simon Phillips.
Chelsea could offer John Stones a two-year contract
Phillips’ report suggests that Chelsea are keen to convince Stones to join, and that he is also open to a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 32-year-old won’t be a long-term option for CFC, but it seems they are willing to offer him a two-year contract.
“SPTC sources confirmed that the defender is ‘willing’ to join Chelsea this summer even though he was not sure if he would leave,” Phillips said on his Substack.
“Chelsea spoke to Stones’ agent earlier in the summer, but they were told that all he was doing at the time was keeping his options open, seeing what other options came his way, and focusing on the World Cup.
“Chelsea just came back with a second approach at the end of last week, and this time they got more confidence from his camp that suggests a deal is possible.”
He added: “There has been a proposal for Chelsea to put a 2-year contract on the table, but negotiations are taking place now as I write this.
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“Stones has been courted by Xabi Alonso, and has always been interested in Chelsea, having come close to joining in recent years.”
Chelsea are looking to add more experience
Chelsea’s transfer strategy seems to have changed this summer, with the club more open to making deals for proven and experienced names.
Morgan Rogers isn’t exactly old, but he arrives as a proven Premier League player in a way that other recent signings like Willian Estevao haven’t.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have also shown an interest in Granit Xhaka, and Stones is another experienced veteran who adds the kind of leadership the club often lacks.
It would be a blow for Arsenal, however, to miss out on a decent option like this on a free, as they would certainly prefer to avoid spending big on Saliba.
