Arsenal & Chelsea Ready To Bid For Highly-Rated Defender

As we approach the business end of the season clubs are starting to make plans for the summer transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea eye John Stones.

Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to make their move for Everton’s highly-rated defender John Stones but face a tough task in persuading the Merseysiders to cash in this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Stones joined Everton from Barnsley in January 2013 for a fee in the region of £3million when then-boss David Moyes beat a whole host of clubs to the youngsters signature.

The 19-year-old made his first team debut back in January and has practically been a mainstay at the back ever since in the absence of captain Phil Jagielka, with his impressive form seeing him tipped for a potential call-up to the England squad for this summers World Cup.

It seems his display’s have also caught the eye of Arsenal and Chelsea with the Daily Mail claiming the duo are ready to make formal offers for the defender this summer after having him watched on several occasions in recent months.

The Gunners are expected to bring in at least one defender this summer with the futures of Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen in doubt and Arsene Wenger is reportedly impressed by Stones’ composure and ability to bring the ball out from the back.

Chelsea on the other hand are on the look-out for a long-term replacement for skipper John Terry and the England U-21 star is displaying all the attributes Jose Mourinho is looking for in a successor.

However, the duo are likely to face a difficult task in trying to lure Stones to London with the newspaper suggesting that Everton are in no mood to let the talented youngster leave without a fight as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.

Roberto Martinez side currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League table and are in the driving seat to pip Arsenal to that all-important final Champions League qualification spot, and if they manage to hang on to it, the Merseysiders are confident they’ll be able to keep hold of their star men.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

Obviously the pressure would mount if they slip up and finish fifth. Finances are tight at Goodison Park and it would be a huge blow to miss out on the lucrative Champions League football next season, so Martinez may be forced to sell one of his exciting youngsters to balance the books and it appears there would be no shortage of takers for centre-back Stones.

Do you rate Stones? Would you like your club to buy him? Share your views below.