Arsenal are considering signing Manchester City defender John Stones on a free transfer, according to Monday transfer gossip reports. The interest is framed as a potential replacement for William Saliba, who is injured, with Arsenal looking at options to strengthen their defensive unit.
Separately, the reports say Chelsea are holding formal talks regarding a move for defender Maxence Lacroix. The discussions are presented as part of Chelsea’s broader recruitment planning ahead of the January window.
These items come from transfer-focused coverage that compares multiple clubs’ possible targets, rather than confirmed deals. Neither report provides details on fees or contract terms, and no timeline is given for negotiations to conclude. The information is presented as speculation and ongoing talks rather than final agreements.