John Stones reaches ‘verbal agreement’ for swift reunion as Arsenal and Chelsea get update

John Stones left Manchester City at the end of the season and the England defender has found a new club amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea appear to have beaten rivals to John Stones’ signature, with the England defender having reached a verbal agreement with his next club. The England star is set to sign a two-year deal with Inter Milan after leaving Manchester City at the end of this contract.

Stones’ representatives are now hashing out the final details ahead of confirming a move, per Sky in Italy, with the move set to be complete before the week is out. That could see the 32-year-old unveiled ahead of Inter’s pre-season friendly clash with City at the weekend.

The ex-Everton defender is set to link up with one former City team-mate regardless. Manuel Akanji joined the San Siro outfit on a permanent basis following his season-long loan spell.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Inter look set to have beaten a number of clubs to his signature. Juventus made an approach over the weekend, but it appears that the Serie A champions have been more persuasive.

Stones attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, despite barely featuring for City last season. The veteran, however, put in some solid performances during England’s World Cup campaign.

The Gunners have been looking to shore up their defence following William Saliba’s injury, while Chelsea are seeking to bolster their squad this summer, with striker Danny Welbeck and midfielder Jordan Henderson also on their wishlist.

FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Stones’ exit from Manchester City was confirmed back in April, giving him the chance to bid a fond farewell to the club. The Barnsley-born star enjoyed a hugely successful decade at the Etihad that mirrored Pep Guardiola’s tenure, though injury has hampered his involvement in recent campaigns.

Speaking prior to his exit, Stones admitted he wished his time at City could have continued. “Everything comes to an end and I wish it’d go on forever, but I know that that’s not a possibility,” he said.

“It’s tough, but at the same time, I can look back on the 10 years and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done here.

“The memories that I’ve got with absolutely everyone, not just the players, the staff, the fans, the guys that we all see on a daily basis and you’ve become friends with and have bonds with.

“It’s not sunk in yet, but when I leave I think it will and it’ll hit me.”