Reports that Arsenal are interested in or ‘set to enter the race’ for John Stones is unlikely are lead to anything.

The England defender was subject of a £30m bid from Chelsea in the summer and submitted a transfer request, but the Toffees put their foot down and didn’t allow him to move. Now the Mirror are reporting that Arsène Wenger is a big admirer of the defender and will enter the race to sign him.

A huge talent, but not one that Everton can afford to sell. Ramiro Funes Mori is currently playing with Stones in his first Premier League season, thanks to an injury to Phil Jagielka. Back in October, Jagielka suffered a ligament injury and is expected to return around the turn of the year. The problem for Everton is they don’t have any other recognised centre-backs who are up to Premier League standard, so selling Stones would be a huge risk.

If they were to have their arms twisted this winter, Stones would cost more than £30m and Arsenal already have four centre-halves anyway. Arsène Wenger has a huge amount of faith in the Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker partnership and spent £11.2m on Gabriel last January. Calum Chambers is also at the club and, at a similar age to Stones, is seen as a future starter.

All things considered, signing Stones is highly unlikely overall, let alone in January.