Arsenal are weighing up a surprise deal for former Man City star John Stones in light of William Saliba’s injury concerns, coming amid their links to Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez would be the glamorous Arsenal signing, Stones would be the practical one.
The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with Alvarez despite Atlético Madrid insisting he isn’t for sale, and the attraction is obvious. The Argentina forward can lead the line, drop into midfield and press with the intensity Mikel Arteta demands.
He has scored 49 goals in 106 total appearances for Atlético, while his experience at Man City means he already understands the Premier League.
Yet Arsenal’s immediate concern is in defence.
William Saliba aggravated a long-standing back problem during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain. Reports suggest Arsenal are still assessing whether he requires surgery, with a serious lay-off potentially removing their most important right-sided centre-back from the opening months of the season.
Stones would bring calmness, leadership and experience. Arteta knows him from their time together at City, while the England international can defend centrally, step into midfield and help Arsenal control possession.
There is still a strong argument against the move.
Arsenal are hardly short of defenders. Riccardo Calafiori can play centrally or at left-back, Piero Hincapie has just signed permanently too, while Cristhian Mosquera is a natural centre-back and Ben White began his Arsenal career in the middle.
Jurrien Timber offers another option when needed.
Stones also made only 18 appearances for City in 25/26 and has had repeated fitness problems. Signing a 32-year-old defender, likely on high wages, to cover an injured player would therefore carry its own risk, even if he was once again a reliable figure for England at the World Cup.
Arsenal considering a surprise deal for John Stones amid William Saliba concern
According to The Sun’s Tom Barclay, Arsenal are considering a surprise move for Stones as they await clarity over Saliba’s back injury.
Stones is available without a transfer fee after leaving City at the end of his contract. He spent 10 years at the Etihad, making 295 appearances and helping the club win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the treble and a host of domestic trophies.
Barclay reports that Arteta could view his former City colleague as a short-term solution if Saliba faces several months out. Stones is said to be considering opportunities in England and abroad after featuring for his country at the World Cup.
Arsenal cannot enter a title defence hoping Saliba’s treatment works while leaving themselves exposed on the right side of defence.
However, interest does not mean a deal is close. Arsenal would need to assess Stones’ fitness, salary expectations and willingness to accept a squad role once Saliba returns.
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Their pursuit of an attacker also remains important.
Alvarez is reportedly among the alternatives being considered after Rogers chose Chelsea, although Atlético have publicly resisted the idea of selling him.
Stones would be an intelligent free signing only on the right terms. A short contract, sensible wages and a clean medical would make the gamble worthwhile.
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