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Arsenal Eyes John Stones Free Transfer Amid Saliba Injury
Arsenal consider John Stones as defensive cover following William Saliba's injury. Chelsea advances Crystal Palace talks while Hull City pursues Leon Bailey in active summer window.
How we reported this
Arsenal are weighing a move for 32-year-old England defender John Stones on a free transfer if 25-year-old France centre-back William Saliba's injury proves long term. The approach would provide defensive cover without a transfer fee at a time when the club must manage squad depth during the ongoing summer window.
Multiple Clubs Advance Talks
Chelsea have held formal discussions with Crystal Palace over France defender Maxence Lacroix, with the Eagles placing a valuation around £55m on the 26-year-old. Hull City remain in talks with Aston Villa for 28-year-old Jamaica winger Leon Bailey and are closing in on a deal for 30-year-old former Newcastle left-back Matt Targett, who became a free agent after leaving his previous club this summer.
Fulham's new manager Alvaro Arbeloa is seeking two players from his former club Real Madrid, specifically 18-year-old Argentina winger Franco Mastantuono and 22-year-old Spain forward Gonzalo Garcia. Bologna's 23-year-old English winger Jonathan Rowe continues to feature on the shortlists of both Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Interest Spreads Across Leagues
Liverpool are prepared to join Manchester United in pursuing Roma's 25-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa have spoken with Chelsea about the possibility of signing both Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho before the window closes. AC Milan's 27-year-old Portugal forward Rafael Leao has indicated a preference for a Premier League move, with Aston Villa among the clubs under consideration.
Lazio are targeting West Ham's 28-year-old DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a player also listed among Arsenal's potential options. Juventus list Aston Villa's 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as their primary target while monitoring Fiorentina's 35-year-old Spain goalkeeper David de Gea. Everton could compete with Inter Milan for Tottenham's 25-year-old England defender Djed Spence, and Liverpool are interested in signing 24-year-old Sweden left-back Daniel Svensson from Borussia Dortmund, where they may face competition from Arsenal.
These developments reflect standard summer activity, with clubs continuing negotiations and monitoring availability through the coming weeks.