Arsenal could be set to offer John Stones an escape route out of Manchester City this summer, according to 90min, although the Gunners would do well to stay clear.
Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be willing to sanction a sale of the centre-back, who has struggled to win over the City fan base this season, having been the subject of criticism on several occasions.
Having signed from Everton for £47.5million in 2016, the 25-year old could now look to move on in search of more regular football, having not established himself as an automatic starter at the Etihad.
While Arteta may know Stones well from his time working under Guardiola as his assistant, the Arsenal boss would be better off focusing on other targets instead of Stones.
Much of Stones’ inconsistency has been largely, but not exclusively, due to his unpredictable form, that has seen him operate as either a standout performer or a liability, depending on which way the wind blows.
With Arsenal having experience their fair share of inconsistent defensive performances over the previous few seasons, namely from the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Arteta should think twice about pursuing a move for someone of Stones’ ilk.
Since signing for City from the Toffees, it could be argued that the defender hasn’t developed at all. Having played under the tutelage of Guardiola for several seasons now, a manager often considered to be one of the best if not the best manager of all time, Stones’ lack of development must now be chalked up as a problem on his end.
While Arsenal may be prepared to offer Stones salvation from his torrid Man City tenure, the Gunners could be operating in the club’s best interest if they turned their attention to other targets.
