Arsenal weigh John Stones move as Barcelona scan striker market
The Sun says Arsenal see John Stones as cover for William Saliba, while TEAMtalk reports Barcelona are checking striker alternatives to Julián Álvarez.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
John Stones could be handed a rapid Premier League return, with Arsenal looking at the former Manchester City defender as short-term cover for William Saliba, according to The Sun.
The report says Stones, 32, is available as a free agent after leaving City when his contract expired earlier this month. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta worked with the England defender during his spell as an assistant coach at Manchester City.
Saliba’s fitness is the reason for the scramble, The Sun reports. The Arsenal centre back played through the World Cup with a back problem, which worsened during France’s semifinal against Spain, and he could miss months.
Barcelona keep striker options open
Barcelona are still tracking alternatives in case they cannot sign Atlético Madrid and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, according to TEAMtalk.
The report says Chelsea’s João Pedro and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi are unlikely options for the Spanish club at this stage. Instead, TEAMtalk names Dusan Vlahovic and Darwin Núñez as players being considered.
Vlahovic is a free agent after leaving Juventus, while Núñez is expected to leave Al Hilal this summer, according to the report. TEAMtalk says neither has moved ahead of Álvarez in Barcelona’s thinking.
Atletico still want Nico González
Atlético Madrid remain interested in Juventus winger Nico González, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Atlético, making 37 appearances and scoring five goals in all competitions, the report says. Mundo Deportivo reports that González wants to return and work again with Diego Simeone.
His loan did not trigger the terms needed for a permanent move, so he has gone back to Juventus. Atlético are still keen, according to Mundo Deportivo, but not at the €30 million price required.
Inter line up Spence talks
Inter Milan are preparing a meeting with Tottenham over Djed Spence, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian outlet reports that Inter are ready to offer €35 million for the full back, who impressed for England at the World Cup. Gazzetta dello Sport says it is unclear whether Tottenham will ask for more after his summer performances, while Inter are unlikely to go beyond that figure.
Chelsea close on record Rogers deal
ESPN sources say Chelsea have agreed a £117 million deal with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers, a fee that would make him the most expensive British player in history.
According to ESPN, Arsenal had been in regular contact with Villa over the 23-year-old forward but had not been willing to meet the asking price. The situation moved quickly after Chelsea broadly accepted Villa’s valuation following England’s World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina.
Other names in the rumor mill
- Football Insider reports Liverpool could challenge Manchester United for Roma midfielder Manu Koné.
- Caught Offside says Liverpool like Borussia Dortmund left back Daniel Svensson, with Arsenal also a possible rival.
- TalkSPORT reports Chelsea have opened talks with Crystal Palace over Maxence Lacroix, though Palace are expected to negotiate hard.
- Ekrem Konur reports Liverpool and Arsenal have both made contact over RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
- Football Insider says Manchester City are unlikely to consider offers for Phil Foden this summer.
- Fabrizio Romano reports Jürgen Klopp will sign a four-year deal to coach Germany through Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.