Arsenal are weighing up a shock deal for former Man Metropolis star John Stones in mild of William Saliba’s harm considerations, coming amid their hyperlinks to Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez can be the glamorous Arsenal signing, Stones can be the sensible one.
The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with Alvarez regardless of Atlético Madrid insisting he is not on the market, and the attraction is apparent. The Argentina ahead can lead the road, drop into midfield and press with the depth Mikel Arteta calls for.
He has scored 49 targets in 106 whole appearances for Atlético, whereas his expertise at Man Metropolis means he already understands the Premier League.
But Arsenal’s rapid concern is in defence.
William Saliba aggravated a long-standing again drawback throughout France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain. Stories recommend Arsenal are nonetheless assessing whether or not he requires surgical procedure, with a severe lay-off doubtlessly eradicating their most essential right-sided centre-back from the opening months of the season.
Stones would convey calmness, management and expertise. Arteta is aware of him from their time collectively at Metropolis, whereas the England worldwide can defend centrally, step into midfield and assist Arsenal management possession.
There’s nonetheless a powerful argument towards the transfer.
Arsenal are hardly in need of defenders. Riccardo Calafiori can play centrally or at left-back, Piero Hincapie has simply signed completely too, whereas Cristhian Mosquera is a pure centre-back and Ben White started his Arsenal profession within the center.
Jurrien Timber provides an alternative choice when wanted.
Stones additionally made solely 18 appearances for Metropolis in 25/26 and has had repeated health issues. Signing a 32-year-old defender, seemingly on excessive wages, to cowl an injured participant would subsequently carry its personal danger, even when he was as soon as once more a dependable determine for England on the World Cup.
Arsenal contemplating a shock deal for John Stones amid William Saliba concern
In response to The Solar’s Tom Barclay, Arsenal are contemplating a shock transfer for Stones as they await readability over Saliba’s again harm.
Stones is on the market with no switch price after leaving Metropolis on the finish of his contract. He spent 10 years on the Etihad, making 295 appearances and serving to the membership win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the treble and a bunch of home trophies.
Barclay experiences that Arteta may view his former Metropolis colleague as a short-term resolution if Saliba faces a number of months out. Stones is alleged to be contemplating alternatives in England and overseas after that includes for his nation on the World Cup.
Arsenal can not enter a title defence hoping Saliba’s remedy works whereas leaving themselves uncovered on the best aspect of defence.
Nonetheless, curiosity doesn’t imply a deal is shut. Arsenal would want to evaluate Stones’ health, wage expectations and willingness to just accept a squad function as soon as Saliba returns.
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Their pursuit of an attacker additionally stays essential.
Alvarez is reportedly among the many options being thought-about after Rogers selected Chelsea, though Atlético have publicly resisted the thought of promoting him.
Stones can be an clever free signing solely on the best phrases. A brief contract, wise wages and a clear medical would make the gamble worthwhile.
