Juventus preparing genuine approach for Manchester City's John Stones
Quick summary
Reports indicate Juventus are preparing a concrete proposal to sign Manchester City defender John Stones, with the Italian club looking to strengthen their backline.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJuventus have made contact with free agent John Stones after his deal with Manchester City was allowed to run down, as Sky Sport Italia claim there is a firm proposal.
The 32-year-old was a regular in the England side that took third place at the 2026 World Cup, despite not currently having a club.
He wore the Manchester City jersey for a decade after leaving Everton, winning everything possible under Pep Guardiola.
Juventus ready to make Stones offer FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 23: John Stones of England walks out the tunnel to inspect the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Although there have also been links with Inter and Napoli in Italy, it was reported that these were proposals from intermediaries rather than genuine Serie A interest.
That seems to be changing, as Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Juventus are in talks with Stones and his entourage to discuss personal terms.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all been linked too, but again without particularly pushing to do a deal.
Juventus are in need of a new central defender if Gleison Bremer is sold to Galatasaray, and have found it difficult to bring down Bologna’s €25m asking price for Jhon Lucumi.
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What happened
Juventus have identified Manchester City centre-back John Stones as a transfer target and are reportedly preparing a genuine, formal approach for the England international. The 30-year-old defender has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, making him a viable candidate for the Turin club. Stones, who has 83 caps for England, could be available as Juventus look to reinforce their defensive options ahead of the new season. The potential move would represent a significant shift for Stones, who has spent his entire senior club career in England with Barnsley, Everton, and Manchester City.
Chance analysis
If Juventus secure Stones, it would address a clear defensive need with an experienced, technically proficient ball-playing centre-back — a profile that fits modern Italian tactical demands. For Manchester City, losing a homegrown squad player of Stones' calibre would be a depth concern, though it frees wages and squad space. The transfer market relevance is moderate: it affects Juventus' defensive solidity and squad planning, and City's rotation options, but neither club's starting XI is fundamentally altered.
A potential Juventus acquisition of Stones would strengthen their defensive options while slightly reducing Manchester City's squad depth at centre-back.
Monitor whether this transfer materializes; if Stones leaves City, it marginally weakens their defensive depth, while Juventus gain a top-level centre-back option.