Inter are currently in negotiations to sign centre-back John Stones as a free agent. Discussions are ongoing, with the hope that the transfer could be finalised by the end of the week. This potential move would see Stones reunite with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who joined Inter permanently after a loan spell in 2025-26.
The Italian champions have also brought in Serbia international midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio this summer. Inter were crowned Italian champions for the 21st time last season, their first under coach Cristian Chivu. The previous year, they reached the Champions League final, where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Interest from across Europe
City announced in April that Stones would depart the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer after 10 years. Reports at the time indicated that several top clubs across Europe were expected to show interest in the defender.
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with Stones. Arsenal are reportedly exploring options for centre-back cover due to William Saliba’s back injury, while Chelsea are looking to add an experienced defender. Juventus has also entered formal negotiations with Stones’ representatives, with the player reportedly open to a move to Italy as he seeks a new challenge.
The availability of Stones as a free agent is seen as a significant market opportunity by elite clubs. His blend of composure and tactical intelligence is believed by potential suitors to be capable of enhancing their defensive lines.
Stones’ career and fitness concerns
Stones joined City from Everton in the summer of 2016. During his 10 seasons at City, he made 295 appearances. He was part of six Premier League title-winning campaigns, and also secured the 2023 Champions League, five League Cups, and three FA Cups.
He has represented the England national team for 12 years, making 94 appearances since his senior debut in the summer of 2014. He has featured in three World Cups and two European Championships. Stones played a role in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, appearing in five of the eight matches. This included playing the full 120 minutes in the quarter-final victory against Norway and starting the semi-final defeat against Argentina.
The summer tournament followed a season disrupted by injuries for Stones, who made 18 appearances in all competitions for City in 2025-26. In the 2024-25 campaign, he appeared 20 times, experiencing foot and hamstring issues. In October 2025, he mentioned that fitness problems had led him to consider retirement.
Whichever club secures Stones will be taking on some risk due to his injury history. Last season, he played only 439 minutes of Premier League football because of thigh, calf, and muscle issues. The campaign before that was also interrupted, with him playing just 547 minutes. He never exceeded 59 per cent of available league minutes in any single season during his decade at City.
Chelsea are also in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and are assessing other market options, including Jacobo Ramon from Como. They are also looking to sell central defenders to create space in their squad, with Trevoh Chalobah in talks to join Como, and Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile reportedly available for sale. Chelsea recently announced the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Source: nytimes.com
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”