Everton defender John Stones has quickly become one of the most attractive transfer targets in Europe. Between his youth, defensive dominance and extensive experience on the international level, Stones is a player teams would spend a fortune to acquire. Luckily for Arsenal fans, that appears to be Arsene Wenger’s intention this summer.
According to Fichajes [via the Metro], Wenger has spoken to the Arsenal board to get permission to make a major splash for Stones. Arsenal’s biggest transfer of the 2015-16 season was an approximately £10 million deal for former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The Metro reported that Everton have placed a £45 million price tag on Stones.
Chelsea reportedly failed on several transfer bids for Stones this past summer, being snubbed for offers of over £30 million.
With defensive stalwarts Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny now in their thirties, the 21-year-old Stones would make a solid addition to Wenger’s backfield for years to come and would pair nicely with fellow starlet Hector Bellerin.
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