John Stones snubs Chelsea and Arsenal, agrees to join Inter Milan on free transfer
John Stones has snubbed Chelsea and Arsenal and reached a verbal agreement to join Inter Milan on a free transfer, according to reports from Sky Italy. The 32‑year‑old former Manchester City defender left the Etihad after his contract expired, ending a ten‑year spell that began with a £50 million move from Everton. Despite an injury‑hit Premier League season, Stones featured in three matches for England as they reached the World Cup semi‑finals, where they lost to eventual runners‑up Argentina.
Arsenal had been tracking Stones as a possible replacement for the injured William Saliba, while Chelsea hoped to add experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad. Both Premier League clubs missed out, with Inter securing a two‑year deal expected to be finalised by the end of the week. Inter, reigning Serie A champions, have already added midfielder Aleksandar Stanković from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio, and are also pursuing Tottenham’s Cristian Romero.
For Nigerian football fans who follow European leagues, Stones’ move adds a seasoned English defender to Serie A, potentially raising the league’s profile among viewers who enjoy watching English‑born players abroad. It also shows how experienced defenders can still secure top‑level clubs despite injury concerns.
Will you follow Stones’ Serie A debut more closely, or does this transfer affect your fantasy‑league or betting considerations for the upcoming Italian season?