According to latest reports, highly talented English centre-back John Stones will be sold by Manchester City in the upcoming summer transfer window. The former Everton starlet will be allowed to leave after failing to nail down a starting place in the team this season.
Especially after the signing of Athletic Bilbao’s defensive gem Aymeric Laporte, John Stones has fallen down the pecking order in Pep Guardiola’s defensive backline.
Often struggling with the hamstring injury, Stones has featured in just 256 minutes of Premier League football in the calendar year of 2018, meaning he is almost destined for a move out of Etihad in the coming summer.
A number of clubs have already shown a keen interest in the services of the English international with Arsenal and Liverpool leading the chase. Arsenal, in particular, are keen to sign a centre-back as they prepare for life without Per Mertesacker next season and the addition of John Stones could be an ideal move for a number of reasons.
Since arriving at Etihad in the summer of 2016, Stones’ form with Manchester City have been hugely topsy-turvy, to say the least with the player often struggling with lack of game time or recurring injuries.
Despite his obvious potential, head coach Pep Guardiola has already deemed it necessary to get rid of the 23-year-old, largely due to the sake of his own career.
At Arsenal, however, John Stones might find the necessary elements, from which he can thrive as a defender.
Following the announcement of the departure of Arsene Wenger, the Gunners have shown great ambition in the market, especially after undergoing a mass-exodus in the winter transfer window, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin leaving the club.
Currently dawdling sixth in the Premier League table, Arsenal’s defensive frailties have been one of the main reasons behind their demise this season. The performance of Shkodran Mustafi has been highly mediocre while the likes of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have also failed to step up their game to the next level.
Therefore, the addition of John Stones can certainly revitalize their backline especially with veteran skipper Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most talented defenders in English football and a move to Arsenal, who are known for their ability to nurture young talents, will definitely prove to be a turning point in his career.