Stones in direct talks with Inter, but would not be first choice
Quick summary
Inter Milan are in direct talks with Manchester City defender John Stones, but the England international is not the Italian club's first-choice target.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter are in contact with free agent John Stones, claim reports in Italy, but the former Manchester City man would not be considered a first choice for central defence.
This is not the first time that the 32-year-old has been linked with a possible move to Serie A this summer , seeing as his contract with Manchester City was allowed to run down.
He still has much to give, as confirmed by the fact he is playing for England at the 2026 World Cup and now preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.
Stones offered to various Serie A sides 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) Napoli and Juventus had been in talks, but didn’t seem particularly eager to pursue the deal.
Now Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà claims that Inter are in direct negotiations with Stones and his entourage.
However, it is noted that this would only be if Benjamin Pavard was first sold, and that Stones would not be guaranteed regular playing time, as he is not a first choice at centre-back for the Italian giants.
Other clubs who have been linked with the free agent include Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille, but h is salary demands and signing-on fee requests are putting some off.
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What happened
Inter Milan have opened direct negotiations with John Stones over a potential move from Manchester City. However, the Italian club reportedly view the 30-year-old centre-back as a secondary option rather than their primary defensive target this window. Stones has fallen out of favour at City and is open to a new challenge, with Inter emerging as a concrete suitor. The talks suggest Inter may need to settle for Stones if their first-choice target proves unattainable.
Chance analysis
This is a mid-tier transfer rumor with limited market impact. Stones' potential departure would marginally weaken Manchester City's defensive depth, while a move to Inter would provide experienced Premier League-level quality to their backline. The fact that he is not Inter's first choice tempers expectations of the deal being completed and suggests Inter may pivot elsewhere. Prediction systems should treat this as speculative until concrete terms emerge.
If completed, Stones would add experienced defensive cover at Inter but City's loss would be minimal given his reduced role under Pep Guardiola.
Treat Stones-to-Inter as a low-probability secondary-option transfer until Inter's primary defensive target is resolved.