Hold up, football fans, because the rumor mill is spinning fast, and Arsenal might be about to pull off a move nobody truly anticipated: John Stones, on a free transfer. The Gunners are seriously weighing up a move for the 32-year-old England defender, and it all hinges on the long-term injury status of their 25-year-old France defender William Saliba. If Saliba’s sidelined for a while, Stones could be the unexpected answer.
The Big Guns And Big Money Talks
This isn’t just about Stones, though. Out there, Chelsea is in deep formal talks with Crystal Palace for 26-year-old France defender Maxence Lacroix. And get this: the Eagles are valuing Lacroix around a hefty £55 million. That’s a serious chunk of change, and it shows how much they rate him. Meanwhile, Hull City is pushing hard, currently in talks with Aston Villa for 28-year-old Jamaica winger Leon Bailey. New Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is already trying to raid his former club, Real Madrid, for two young talents: 18-year-old Argentina winger Franco Mastantuono and 22-year-old Spain forward Gonzalo Garcia. Talk about hitting the ground running for a new boss.
Rivals Clashing For Key Signatures
The action doesn’t stop there. Aston Villa and Chelsea both have Bologna’s 23-year-old English winger Jonathan Rowe on their shortlists. Hull City is also reportedly closing in on 30-year-old former Newcastle left-back Matt Targett, who’s a free agent. Liverpool is ready to jump into the race alongside Manchester United for Roma’s 25-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa has held talks with Chelsea about possibly signing both Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho this summer. Portugal forward Rafael Leao from AC Milan, a 27-year-old talent, reportedly prefers a Premier League move over Turkey, and Aston Villa is in the mix there. Lazio is targeting West Ham’s 28-year-old DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also on Arsenal’s list. Juventus’ top goalkeeping target is Aston Villa’s 33-year-old Argentina international Emiliano Martinez, but they’re also eyeing Fiorentina’s 35-year-old Spain goalkeeper David de Gea. Everton could rival Inter Milan to sign Tottenham’s 25-year-old England defender Djed Spence. Liverpool wants Sweden left-back Daniel Svensson from Borussia Dortmund, but Arsenal might jump into that competition too. It’s a full-on scramble out there!
This transfer window is just getting started, and we’re already seeing some insane moves being discussed. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on Saliba’s injury, because that Stones free transfer could be absolutely huge for Arsenal. And will Chelsea really splash £55 million for Lacroix? Every club is trying to build their squad for what’s sure to be another wild, unpredictable season. Get ready, because it’s going to be a fun one to watch unfold!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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