John Stones linked with shock move to Premier League rival?
As Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defense at Arsenal, he could turn to a familiar name: out of favor Manchester City defender John Stones, according to Football.London.
John Stones has had a rough stretch since his miraculous goal-line clearance against Liverpool just over a year ago in one of last season’s most pivotal moments. After succumbing to another injury, he was replaced in the starting XI by legend Vincent Kompany, who never looked back as City promptly won 14 straight matches to clinch the title, even when Stones was fit.
After a horror show for England in their Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal, he’s had an injury-laden 2019-20 season coupled with some terrible performances that have led many, including myself, to question both his physical and mental durability.
With former Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta taking over at Arsenal, it would make sense that he would target players that he knows well, and given the Gunners’ defensive issues, a move for Stones does have its merits. He would walk into a club with much lower expectations, instantly become their best defender, and know exactly the style and culture of football his boss is trying to create at the Emirates.
City and Arsenal have shared numerous players over the years, from Samir Nasri to Bacary Sagna, Gaël Clichy, Patrick Vieira, Kolo Touré, and Emmanuel Adebayor. While the move does have some merits to continue the trend, however, I still believe that Stones has a role to play at least in the immediate future at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola.
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As the most experienced and naturally talented defender to partner with Aymeric Laporte, I believe he should be given the first chance to start once the French star returns from injury later this month. Although many have clamored for Fernandinho to continue to start, Stones brings the most upside at the position, and if City can once again discover his form and confidence, he is the second-best central defender at the club.
Therefore, City should and most likely will reject Arsenal’s advances. Even if the situation changes this month with regard to the club’s self-imposed refusal to make any January signings, Stones is depth at a razor-thin position for the Citizens and could still be an important piece in a critical European campaign.