Chelsea are interested in another England star after agreeing a deal for Morgan Rogers, with free agent John Stones firmly on their radar.
Stones has left Manchester City after 10 years of great success at the Etihad, which saw him win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.
Persistent injury problems meant he did not play as much as he would have liked, but he made 295 appearances for City across all competitions.
The defender played just nine times in the Premier League last season, but such is his quality that Thomas Tuchel retained him as an important player in England’s World Cup campaign.
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The 32-year-old started three matches at the World Cup, including the quarter-final win over Norway and semi-final loss to Argentina.
He also came off the bench in the memorable last 16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca.
Now available on a free transfer, there is no surprise that big clubs are interested in snapping up the former Barnsley man.
The Athletic report that Stones has been added to Chelsea’s list of centre-back targets this summer as the revamp of their squad under Xabi Alonso continues.
Marco Palestra has been the most significant arrival so far, joining in a £43million deal from Atalanta, but Morgan Rogers’ agreed move from Aston Villa will blow that transfer out of the water.
The Blues have agreed a £117m deal to sign the England midfielder, beating Arsenal and other clubs to the 23-year-old’s signature.
Chelsea may sign more than one centre-back this summer as they are also pursuing Crystal Palace and France defender Maxence Lacroix.
Talks are ongoing as Palace want a reported £55m-£60m for the 26-year-old but Chelsea do not want to meet that asking price.
There is certainly a change in transfer policy at Stamford Bridge this summer with more of a focus on experience than in recent seasons.
The Blues have also moved to sign Sunderland veteran Granit Xhaka, but the Black Cats rejected a bid for the 34-year-old.
As for Stones’ future, The Sun report that Arsenal are also considering a move for the experienced defender.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta worked with Stones during his time as a coach at Manchester City and would be bringing him in as cover for William Saliba, who is now recovering from a long-term back injury after the World Cup.
The Yorkshireman has high profile options in front of him, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan also credited with interest in him.
Former club Everton are also keen on snapping up the free agent and are currently the bookmakers’ favourites to be his next club.
