John Stones is set to join Inter Milan, Fabrizio Romano has Tweeted, ending Chelsea’s interest in the former Man City defender.
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Fabrizio Romano has just Tweeted out that Inter Milan have an “agreement in principle” with the English centre back, who left Man City at the start of the summer after a glorious, trophy laden spell for them.
The central defender was a free agent, and both Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the former Everton man, who had a good World Cup with England and still looks a top class player.
🚨🔵⚫️ Inter are closing in on John Stones deal to join as free agent, as revealed today.
Formal steps to follow but agreement in principle being sealed with the English centre back.
Contract until June 2028.
Exclusive story from the afternoon, confirmed. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/fBcBiwgsWC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Stones and Chelsea don’t reach deal as Inter take charge
This of course means Chelsea are out of the race for Stones. It’s not yet clear if they pulled out and left the clear way for Inter, or if the temptation of playing in the Champions League and Serie A were more tempting to him that staying in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
It means the Blues still don’t have the veteran centre back they want, although Maxence Lacroix looks set to join. Between him and the rest of the options in the squad, Chelsea will likely be confident they can proceed into the season without the need for further additions.
In other news…
David Ornstein logged on to drop a major transfer bomb earlier in the evening, with the news that Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Jordan Henderson on a free transfer from Brentford.
It’s been quite the day for Ornstein, who broke the news earlier that Chelsea are interested in Danny Welbeck, Brighton’s veteran striker.
