Probably the most desired player of the market was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/john-stones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Stones</a>, not just because of what he can offer as a player but mainly because of his status as a free agent, allowing him to sign without the need for club negotiations. Apparently, the defender has chosen Italy as his next destination over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/arsenal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arsenal</a>.



The club that Stones preferred to play for is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter</a>, according to Sky Sports in Italy. After leaving <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester City</a> following a year in which he barely played, the defender arrives at another giant club with aspirations. The report suggests that he has verbally agreed to join on a free transfer after receiving interest from Premier League clubs.



Stones arrives after a solid World Cup with England, where he featured in the lineup in every knockout match and showed that he can compete at a high level despite becoming a free agent. The medical part could be important for the player, with the report saying that the examinations are scheduled for Thursday.



<h2>Inter continue interest in Cristian Romero</h2>



Inter are also working on a possible move for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristian-romero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristian Romero</a> from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tottenham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tottenham</a>, with the Argentina international emerging as another defensive target for the Serie A club. The Italian side are looking to strengthen their back line and have identified him as a player they would like to bring to Milan.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨⚫️🔵 Inter director Ausilio confirms the exclusive story on Cristian Romero deal. “We are interested for sure, it’s true. We spoke to the agent and Tottenham. We will see what happens”. <a href="https://t.co/AsWbQjOwjw">pic.twitter.com/AsWbQjOwjw</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2081113982404804641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Romero’s situation has attracted attention because the player has made clear that he wants to leave the club in this window after some friction with the fans. However, Inter would need to negotiate a transfer with Tottenham to complete the signing.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/inter-milan-working-to-sign-cristian-romero-from-tottenham-after-2026-world-cup-campaign/"></div>


The defender remains an important player with a strong history in Italy, where he played for Genoa and Atalanta and was even named the best defender in Serie A. The price tag is one of the reasons why the move has not been completed yet, with Tottenham reportedly looking for around €45 million.



<h2>Inter sporting director confirms Romero interest</h2>



Fabrizio Romano reported that Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the club’s interest in Romero. The Italian executive explained that they have already spoken with the player’s agent and the club. Ausilio said: “We are interested for sure, it’s true. We spoke to the agent and Tottenham. We will see what happens.”

John Stones picks Italy as destination over Chelsea and Arsenal

John Stones picks Italy as destination over Chelsea and Arsenal - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/arsenal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arsenal</a> are looking for a new center back after <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/william-saliba/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William Saliba</a> suffered a back injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period, with reports indicating that the Gunners are considering two Premier League defenders as potential replacements.



The two options are Ezri Konsa and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/john-stones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Stones</a>, according to The Independent, with Arsenal exploring the possibility of signing one of the experienced England internationals to strengthen their defense while Saliba is unavailable.



A move for Konsa would require Arsenal to pay a significant transfer fee to Aston Villa, where the defender remains an important player. Stones, meanwhile, could be available as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City ended.



<h2>Saliba injury</h2>



Saliba suffered the injury during France’s semifinal against Spain at the World Cup, with the defender forced off after 30 minutes. Subsequent specialist reviews in London confirmed that he had suffered a back injury that will require a period of rehabilitation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/23192502/stones-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-668301"><figcaption>Stones would be for free after his contract ended (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Arsenal stated: “Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery program.”


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“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period. Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”



<h2>Arsenal’s summer transfer window</h2>



Arsenal have already made several moves during the transfer window as they continue to build the squad, including the signing of forward Christos Tzolis for approximately $45.5 million to replace the departure of Leandro Trossard.



The club also made Piero Hincapié’s move permanent after initially signing the defender on loan, activating the purchase option worth approximately $46.2 million after a year at the club. In goal, the club added Illan Meslier on a free transfer to provide backup for David Raya.

Arsenal consider two options to replace William Saliba after extended injury absence

Arsenal consider two options to replace William Saliba after extended injury absence - World Soccer Talk

With the third-place match of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a> being <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">England</a>‘s final appearance in the competition, John Stones is not in the starting lineup against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a>.



The reason Stones isn’t starting is because Thomas Tuchel has made a technical decision to choose a different pairing. For this match, the preference was to select faster defenders than him like Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa.



This left Stones on the bench despite being one of the most experienced defenders in the squad. Even after playing just 900 minutes with Manchester City, Stones had been reliable with 550 minutes in the competition while being present in every knockout-stage match.

Why isn’t John Stones starting for England against France at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn't John Stones starting for England against France at the 2026 World Cup? - World Soccer Talk

Since <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/pep-guardiola/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pep Guardiola</a> joined Manchester City, the team has soared to become one of the best in the world. It has clinched six Premier League titles and added a UEFA Champions League trophy to its accolades. One of its key players, who was instrumental in these successes, recently revealed that he went through a difficult phase with injuries. At just 31 years old, these challenges had once led the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City</a> star to consider retiring from professional soccer.



“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping… I didn’t want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in… My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired],” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/john-stones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Stones</a> said, via BBC Radio 5 Live.



In the 2024-25 season, John Stones endured foot and thigh injuries, missing 32 games with Manchester City—the highest of his career. At the peak of his career and leading the Citizen’s defense, these setbacks were significant. After a long recovery journey, he has played 6 games in the current season fighting to gain his spot in the starting lineup again.



John Stones, fresh off his return to club action, has earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia. Elated about the call-up, Stones expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Some of the best moments of my career have been playing for England. When he (Tuchel) said to me, ‘Do you want to come and be with the boys and continue your training?’ I didn’t hesitate for a second,” via BBC Radio 5 Live.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/10/07171046/John-Stones-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="Manchester City&apos;s John Stones" class="wp-image-595519" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>John Stones of Manchester City in action during the Premier League game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Can John Stones regain his starting spot at Manchester City after injury return?</h2>



Although John Stones has officially returned to the pitch, his place as a starter in the lineup is no longer guaranteed. Pep Guardiola has opted for Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol as his center-back pairing, relegating the English defender to a secondary role as right-back or backup center back. However, Manchester City have not seen the desired results early in the season, so a shift that includes Stones as starter remains a possibility.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/manchester-city-dealt-another-setback-as-rodri-suffers-new-injury-in-premier-league-game-vs-brentford/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251005_WST_595127_rodri-manchester-city-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="In the Premier League game against Brentford, Manchester City star Rodri was forced off due to a new injury in his right leg.
" title="Manchester City dealt another setback as Rodri suffers new injury in Premier League game vs. Brentford" publication_id="WST#/news/manchester-city-dealt-another-setback-as-rodri-suffers-new-injury-in-premier-league-game-vs-brentford/"></div>


In Pep Guardiola’s system, no player holds a permanent spot in Manchester City’s starting eleven. Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and even Bernardo Silva frequently rotate in the lineup, showing Guardiola’s tactical flexibility. This approach keeps the door open for Stones, whose versatility allows him to play as a right back or defensive midfielder. His adaptability could earn him significant playing time as he seeks to reclaim a more prominent role.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/manchester-city-is-going-after-one-of-lionel-messis-argentina-national-team-teammates-and-world-cup-champion/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251005_WST_595154_Lionel-Messi-Argentina-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Manchester City are reportedly targeting one of Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates, as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
" title="Manchester City is going after one of Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team teammates and World Cup champion" publication_id="WST#/news/manchester-city-is-going-after-one-of-lionel-messis-argentina-national-team-teammates-and-world-cup-champion/"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/not-lionel-messi-manchester-city-coach-pep-guardiola-names-the-best-player-in-the-world/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250822_WST_586140_messi-pep.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has revealed who he considers the best player in the world right now — and it’s not Lionel Messi.
" title="Not Lionel Messi: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola names the best player in the world" publication_id="WST#/news/not-lionel-messi-manchester-city-coach-pep-guardiola-names-the-best-player-in-the-world/"></div>

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City star John Stones makes emotional confession: ‘I thought about stopping’

Manchester City is going after one of Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team teammates and World Cup champion

Not Lionel Messi: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola names the best player in the world

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City player makes shocking confession amid injury problems: 'I thought about stopping' - World Soccer Talk

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City player makes shocking confession amid injury problems: 'I thought about stopping'

Manchester City defender John Stones has proclaimed that he is ready to fill the void in midfield left by the injured Rodri. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> international was recently forced off of the pitch during a contentious matchup with Arsenal. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-history-of-manchester-united-vs-manchester-city-gary-james-interview-video-20130406-CMS-52551.html">City</a> officials then took their time to reveal the extent of the setback. 



Nevertheless, manager Pep Guardiola <a href="https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/newcastle-united-v-manchester-city-pep-guardiola-injury-update-63863036" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">informed the press</a> on Friday that Rodri suffered a serious ACL injury. As a result, the superstar midfielder will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season. Rodri only managed to feature in three total matches during the current campaign before the injury.



Rodri is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the entire City team. Erling Haaland rightly gets most of the praise, but the Spaniard is arguably just as crucial to the team’s success. For instance, City has not lost a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> match in which Rodri has started since February 2023. On the other side, all three of the club’s English top-flight losses last season came when the midfielder was out with suspension.



<h2>Stones has recent experience stepping into midfield</h2>



Guardiola opted for a midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis in his team’s first Premier League game without Rodri. City ended up drawing with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> on the day. Despite this, Stones was recently asked by reporters if he could help replace the injured superstar in the midfield. “Yeah, if called upon, 100%,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/sep/30/john-stones-100-ready-to-take-rodris-midfield-spot-in-manchester-city-team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replied</a> the England international.



Although a typical defender, Stones has previously stepped into midfield at times under Guardiola. This was the case in two of last season’s Premier League losses while Rodri was suspended. The manager, however, also opted to select both Stones and Rodri together in the middle of the pitch several other times as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/16032042/Rodri-ACL-1-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-532858" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>



“I love it – it’s a ­different [way of looking] on the game,” Stones said about playing in midfield. “[I have] appreciation for players who have played there, understanding the game, learning from a defender’s point of view, when to receive and pass the ball.”



“I always enjoy it and try every time I go in there. The manager puts us there for a reason, and it’s about going out there and doing a job. It happened a lot over the last two years – me going into midfield. In the [2023] Champions League final, I was a bit higher up [the field] – that was new for me. Something I enjoyed.”



<h2>If he excels in the role, Stones would save City serious cash</h2>



Immediately following the unfortunate news regarding Rodri, Guardiola answered questions about replacing the star. The manager asserted that losing the fellow Spaniard is a massive hole to fill. He also claimed that the club will wait and see what to do in the January transfer market.



For now, Guardiola will go with a combination of Stones, Kovacic, Lewis, and possibly Matheus Nunes in the roles. This means that the quartet will get a chance to impress for the time being. With Stones currently behind Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol in central defense, his best option for playing time could come in midfield.



A stellar display from Stones in the middle of the pitch could end up saving City some serious money. Following the Rodri injury, the club expressed interest in multiple midfielders. This list includes pricey players such as Martin Zubimendi, Nicolo Barella, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atalanta-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Atalanta</a> star Ederson. All three of these players would likely cost any club over $60 million.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Stones ready to save Man City money by filling Rodri role

Manchester City defender John Stones has proclaimed that he is ready to fill the void in midfield left by the injured Rodri.

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