John Stones Agrees Free Transfer to Inter Milan, Snubbing Arsenal and Chelsea
England international John Stones has verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports Italy and Fabrizio Romano, bringing an end to his decade-long stay at Manchester City and beating off strong interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea in the process.
The Deal Breakdown
- Player: John Stones, 32, England international centre-back
- Transfer Status: Free agent — his Manchester City contract expired on June 30
- Contract: Two-year deal through June 2028, with no option for a further year
- Salary: Around €4 million net per season
- Next Steps: Stones is set to complete his medical in Milan shortly before finalising terms
Sky Sports report that Stones’ representatives are now working to finalise the details of the contract with Inter, following a verbal agreement between all parties. Italian outlet Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed the same terms, describing a two-year deal worth around €4m per season.
Why Inter? The Chivu Connection
Under head coach Cristian Chivu, Stones is expected to come in as a replacement for the departing Stefan de Vrij, adding Premier League-proven experience to Inter’s backline. He’ll also link up with a familiar face — former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who turned his loan move into a permanent one at San Siro last season.
The Transfer Hijack — Arsenal and Chelsea Miss Out
This is a genuine transfer shock. Arsenal had been keen to bring in Stones as emergency cover following William Saliba’s recent injury, viewing the experienced defender as an ideal short-term solution. Chelsea also registered serious interest in the free agent.
Even Juventus entered the picture, making contact with Stones’ camp over the weekend — but it was Inter’s proactive approach that ultimately won the race, with the Nerazzurri moving decisively to secure his signature as a free agent.
The End of an Era at Manchester City
Stones’ departure closes the book on a genuinely golden decade at the Etihad, during which he became one of the most decorated English footballers of his generation under Pep Guardiola. He arrives at Inter fresh off representing England at the 2026 World Cup, adding tournament experience to a defence in transition under Chivu.
What Happens Next
Stones is expected to travel to Milan imminently to undergo his medical before the move is made official. Once completed, Inter fans will be hoping his Premier League pedigree provides the same stability and composure at the back that defined his best years in Manchester.
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