According to recent reports, Arsenal are interested in a summer move for Manchester City centre-back John Stones, however, Mikel Arteta’s side are not willing to meet City’s valuation of the player.
According to TalkSPORT, Arteta is said to be keen on Stones, and with Pep Guardiola reported to be plotting a rebuild of his City backline this summer, it is believed that the 26-year-old would become surplus to requirements at the Etihad, potentially paving the way for a City exit in the off-season.
However, it is also reported that City are not willing to let the England international leave on the cheap, with Guardiola’s side setting a £30 million asking price for the defender.
And, despite Arteta’s fondness of the player, it is stated that the Gunners would not be willing to meet City’s valuation of Stones, despite the player’s price tag actually being lower than his current Transfermarkt valuation of £32.4 million.
TIF Thoughts…
With Stones’ City career seemingly nearing an end, it is difficult to say that the centre-back’s time at the club has not been successful.
After joining City from Everton in a £50.04 million deal back in 2016, Stones has gone on to make 132 appearances for the Citizens, helping his side to win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cups in a four-year spell.
Having said this, Guardiola does appear to have lost faith in the centre-back, openly questioning Stones’ mentality earlier this season, as well as often playing midfielder Fernandinho ahead of him in the heart of the City defence throughout the club’s 2019/20 campaign.
Would you be happy for City to sell Stones to Arsenal for less than £30 million?
Yes
No
As such, it would seem that a move away from Manchester could benefit both the player and his current side.