Arsenal are lining up a move for John Stones on a free transfer as the club braces for the possibility that William Saliba’s back injury could require surgery and a long-term lay-off. The 25-year-old France centre-back was forced off after just 30 minutes of the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, having carried the problem for weeks. “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” Saliba said earlier in the tournament. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.” Arsenal will assess the injury when he returns to London, but an operation is among the options and would likely mean a lengthy absence for the defender who made 50 appearances last season as the club ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final.
With Saliba’s future under a cloud, the Gunners are considering a move for 32-year-old England international John Stones, who is available on a free transfer. The Sun reports that Arsenal see Stones as a potential replacement if Saliba’s absence is prolonged. Meanwhile, Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over France defender Maxence Lacroix, valued at around £55m, according to Talksport. The Blues are also on the verge of completing a stunning £117m deal for Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers, who is set to undergo a medical on Monday after playing for England on Saturday.
“Arsenal consider free transfer for John Stones as William Saliba faces possible surgery on back injury”
Elsewhere, Hull City are in talks with Aston Villa over Jamaica winger Leon Bailey and closing in on former Newcastle left-back Matt Targett as a free agent. Liverpool are prepared to join Manchester United in the race for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, while Aston Villa have held discussions with Chelsea about signing both Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho. Arsenal may face competition from Liverpool for Sweden left-back Daniel Svensson, though the Caught Offside report is unconfirmed. The transfer window is heating up as clubs scramble to strengthen before the new season.