The Sun claim that Mikel Arteta is after a central defender and he could raid his old club in an attempt to plug the Calum Chambers sized gap in the heart of our defence.
Chambers was stretchered off (well, he walked off but was almost stretchered off) during our 1-0 win over Chelsea at Christmas (good job I left early) and will be out for most if not all of the season following ACL surgery.
STOP PRESS: During Wednesday 15th January’s press conference, Arteta has denied The Sun’s story, saying via Sky Sports:
Asked if there is any truth in his reported interest in Stones, Arteta said: “No, no truth at all.”
Stones himself is said to be keen on a move to boost his chances of playing for England in the European Championships this summer and would welcome a move to join up with Arteta again.
Stones has had a lot of injuries and has struggled to get a good run in the Man City side, so a move to a club like us would be ideal for both parties and hopefully he can stay injury free and earn himself a starting place for the rest of the season.
Stones has only played ten times in the Premier League this season so would be keen to improve this tally, and a move to Arsenal could help him cement his England place.
The Sun quote their ‘source’ as saying:
“He was in London to see his agent last week and is due back again this week. He knows if he is to resurrect his England career he has to get more time on the pitch. Arteta is in need of defenders so it could be perfect for both of them…”
With the departure of forward Emile Smith-Rowe, and centre back Mavropanos this week, the need for cover at the back is even greater, so could we see a move for Stones? Watch this space!
