John Stones to Arsenal could still be on with Pep Guardiola looking for a new defender
Arsenal could land John Stones next summer despite their failed pursuit of the England man in the last transfer window.
Mikel Arteta explored the possibility of taking on the England centre half on-loan for the rest of the season, but Pep Guardiola made it clear that he wasn’t for sale and they would not allow him to leave on-loan either.
The 25-year-old has played just 11 times for City this season with a combination of bad form and injury hampering his progress.
He has been dropped from the squad in the last two games with speculation rife that he might be off in the summer.
Express Sports claims that Guardiola has shortlisted four new defenders that he is keen to partner Aymeric Laporte next season.
Laporte has been Manchester City’s most consistent defender since he moved to the Etihad. But he suffered an injury early this season and has missed much of the campaign.
Should City sign a new centre back in the summer, either one of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi will be sold.
ESPN pundit Steve Nicol, as quoted in the same report, reckons that Otamendi could be sold off before Stones.
He said: “Should he go? Probably, with the way he’s performed when he’s played. He hasn’t been anywhere near his best.
“The problem for City is you can’t get rid of everybody.
“At the end of the day you need bodies to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Really it’s a case of who goes and who stays.
“John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, I would imagine Otamendi goes.
“Stones still has the ability to come back somewhat.
“Between those two, I’d say they’ll keep John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi has to go.”
Despite what Nicol is saying it is hard to see how Stones has a future at the Etihad. Guardiola still prefers Otamendi and once Guardiola turns against a player his days are numbered. That appears to be the case with the England defender.
I don’t think he is good value for money..
And of course, as we all know, Kroenke has issued a statemnet saying whatever Stones costs we will get him! NOT!!! Stones will not come cheap, but Kroenke ONLY does cheap, at least as far as Arsenal is concerned. If anyone disagrees, they must have been living in a cave for the past 12 years!
Pepe??? Only cheap? Don’t agree, Jon. Times are changing. Let’s not get sucked into the never-ending cheap-only Kronkie debate. We have new recruiting staff and a new manager. Shrewd business does not necessarily have to be regarded as cheap , provided, of course, it can do the job. Pepe at £70m has not so far.
SAGooner, But you cherry picked our most expensive player and don’t forget he is only paid for in instalments and this by a multi billionaire who could,if he chose,easily afford to buy many real world class players at full price. So my comments are apt and yours are not on the ball this time. Though I do respect you as an intelligent fan, by your general comments.
On this we simply disagree but I believe I am right and that most firmly agree with me. OUR OWNER JUST DOES NOT CARE ABOUT GLORY OR HONOUR, NOR HONOURS(PLURAL). All he cares about is his investment value and not spending any money he can avoid. We have all the evidence of our drift since 2007, when he first came, to support my correct view of him. He has not spent a single penny of his own money on players and thatsays it all!
I also never said it was “only Kroenke” to blame – those were your words, not mine. GAZIDIS MADE A DISASTROUS MESS OF SPENDING AND IN/OUT COMINGS OF PLAYERS. Wengers inability to recognise or buy a world class top outfield defender since Sol CAMPBELL ALSO HARMED US GREATLY. Many carry the can but most of all the owner. The buck should always stop with the ultimate decision maker. Surely?
Lastly, I do agree with your “shrewd business…..etc .. …..” sentence and that is profoundly true but is a separate matter from my own point about KROENKE.
Since we will have to sell our players first, I bet any purchase would be done very late after the pre-season
Otamendi is very aggressive and he is very useful in corners but he is not comfortable with ball or 1V1 situations.Lacks pace..
He is also much older than even @Ken1845
😂