Inter in talks to sign John Stones as free agent following Manchester City exit
Inter are currently in negotiations to sign centre-back John Stones, who is available as a free agent. Discussions are ongoing, with hopes 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 the 2025-26 season.
The Italian champions have also brought in Serbia international midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio this summer. Inter secured their 21st Italian championship last season, their first under coach Cristian Chivu, following a Champions League final appearance the previous year where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
City announced in April that Stones would depart 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.
Interest from across Europe
Beyond Inter, Juventus has also entered formal negotiations with Stones’ representatives, as the competition 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.
The opportunity to secure a player of his calibre has made him a top priority for both Serie A giants. The defender is seen as offering a combination of composure and tactical intelligence that could enhance their defensive lines.
Premier League clubs are also reportedly monitoring the situation. Arsenal has shown interest in Stones, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to address cover for the injured William Saliba. Arteta’s previous role as Pep Guardiola‘s assistant at City provided him with familiarity with Stones’ play.
Chelsea has also been mentioned as a potential suitor. With no transfer fee involved, the final decision rests with Stones regarding the best fit for the next phase of his career. Chelsea is also in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and is assessing other market options, including Jacobo Ramon from Como.
The club is also looking to sell central defenders to create space in their squad. Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly in talks to join Como, while Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are among those available for sale. Chelsea recently announced the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and is discussing a loan move for Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho to Villa.
Stones’ career and recent form
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 also contributed to winning the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup.
In addition to his club success, Stones 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, where England reached the final on both occasions.
Stones had a notable performance at the recent World Cup for England, contributing to their run to the semi-finals. He played in five of the eight matches, including strong defensive showings against Mexico, where he came on as a second-half substitute, and Norway, playing the full 120 minutes in the quarter-final victory.
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 2-1 ahead. This tournament followed an injury-disrupted 2025-26 season for Stones, during which he made just 18 appearances in all competitions for City.
In the 2024-25 campaign, he appeared 20 times due to foot and hamstring issues, and in October 2025, he reportedly considered retirement due to fitness problems. Last season, he managed only 439 minutes of Premier League football due to thigh, calf, and muscle issues, following a similarly interrupted campaign prior to that, where he played just 547 minutes.
Source: nytimes.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
