Inter are currently in negotiations to sign central defender John Stones as a free agent. Discussions are ongoing, with the hope of finalising the transfer 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. Last season, Inter secured their 21st Italian championship under coach Cristian Chivu, having reached the Champions League final the previous year, where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Stones’ departure from Manchester City
Manchester City announced in April that Stones would be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer, concluding a 10-year tenure. Reports at the time suggested that several prominent European clubs would be interested in acquiring the defender.
Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in Stones. Arsenal is exploring options for centre-back cover due to William Saliba’s back injury, while Chelsea aims to strengthen their defence with an experienced player. Chelsea are also in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and are assessing other market options, including Jacobo Ramon from Como.
Stones, who is 32 years old, became a free agent when his City contract concluded at the end of June. He joined City from Everton in the summer of 2016. During his 10 seasons at City, Stones made 295 appearances, contributing to six Premier League title victories, a Champions League win in 2023, five League Cups, and three FA Cups.
International career and fitness concerns
Stones had a notable performance for England during their run to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals. He featured in five of the eight matches, playing a crucial role in defensive efforts against Mexico, where he was introduced as a second-half substitute, and Norway, playing the full 120 minutes in the quarter-final win.
He also started the semi-final defeat against Argentina, playing almost the entire match before being replaced by Ivan Toney in injury time after Inter captain Lautaro Martinez put Argentina ahead. This summer tournament followed an injury-affected 2025-26 season for Stones, during which he made only 18 appearances across all competitions for City.
In the preceding 2024-25 campaign, he played 20 times due to foot and hamstring issues, leading him to consider retirement in October 2025 due to fitness problems. Stones has represented the England national team for 12 years, making 94 appearances since his senior debut in the summer of 2014, participating in three World Cups and two European Championships.
Juventus has also entered formal negotiations with Stones’ representatives, as the race for his signature intensifies. According to reports, the England international defender is seriously considering a move to Italy, a destination he is said to be open to as he seeks a new challenge. His availability as a free agent is seen as a significant market opportunity by elite clubs across Europe.
Whichever club secures Stones will be taking on some risk due to his recent 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, and he never exceeded 59 per cent of available league minutes in any single season during his decade at City.
Chelsea also announced the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m on Tuesday evening.
Source: nytimes.com