Stones verbally agrees Inter Milan move on two-year deal
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- John Stones verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer, with his representatives set to finalise terms on a two-year contract.
- Arsenal and Chelsea had both registered interest in the 32-year-old England defender before he chose the Italian champions.
- Juventus made contact with Stones' camp over the weekend but were beaten to his signature by Inter.
- Inter Milan head coach Christian Chivu has identified Tottenham captain Cristian Romero as his top defensive target, but the cost of a potential deal is expected to be significant.
- Inter could pursue both Romero and Stones if Benjamin Pavard leaves, though as things stand the club is pushing to finalise only the Stones move.
- Stones made five appearances for England at the World Cup despite a fitness history that restricted him to 439 Premier League minutes last season because of thigh, calf and muscular injuries.
- Across 10 seasons at Manchester City, the former Everton defender never played more than 59 per cent of available Premier League minutes in any campaign.
Why it matters: Two Premier League contenders — Arsenal and Chelsea — lose out on an experienced 32-year-old centre-back who joins Inter on a free, while Inter's defensive rebuild under Christian Chivu could escalate into a double signing if Benjamin Pavard exits, pairing Stones with Cristian Romero.
