John Stones is available on a free transfer, but his injury record raises an obvious question as Arsenal assess their options.
Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for John Stones as they look at options to cover for William Saliba, who appears likely to face a spell on the sidelines because of the back problem that has troubled him for months.
While nothing has been confirmed regarding Saliba’s condition, the outlook does not appear encouraging.
Most reports have suggested surgery is a likely outcome, with a recovery period of four to five months being mooted.
If that proves to be the case, Arsenal will need cover.
But who?
Enter Stones.
The former Manchester City defender, now 32, is available on a free transfer after running down his contract at the Etihad.
Reports linking Arsenal with the centre-back originated from an exclusive by The S*n, although the report is light on detail beyond the opening line: “ARSENAL are considering John Stones as a short-term freebie fix if William Saliba’s injury proves to be serious.”
There’s a lot of room in that sentence for manoeuvre.
On the face of it, it is not an unreasonable idea. Few would question Stones’ quality. He has won everything there is to win, and at 32 he should still have plenty left to offer.
The absence of a transfer fee would also be attractive in a summer when Arsenal are looking to complete significant business.
City were reportedly open to extending Stones’ contract but had concerns over his injury record and wanted to see how his season went.
That’s something Arsenal will need to weigh carefully given their own recent struggles in that area.
On Transfermarkt, Stone’s injury history spans two pages, with 164 matches missed for club and country over the past 11 seasons.
He missed 24 games last season and 34 the campaign before, with recurring hamstring and thigh problems continuing to disrupt his availability.
In the end, City decided not to offer him a new contract, and that is something Arsenal would be wise to consider.
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