Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a short-term move for free agent John Stones, according to Sky Sports' round-up of Monday's newspaper talk, after William Saliba's injury during the World Cup left Mikel Arteta short on central defensive options.
Stones, out of contract following his Manchester City exit, is understood to be among the names being considered as emergency cover while Saliba works his way back to fitness. The report frames it as a stopgap solution rather than a long-term rebuild of Arsenal's backline, with the Gunners said to be assessing free-agent options given the timing of Saliba's setback mid-tournament.
No formal approach or agreement has been reported, and the story remains speculative at this stage — filed under the paper talk banner rather than confirmed transfer news. Arsenal have not commented publicly on any interest in Stones, and further details on contract length or wages being discussed have not emerged.
As ever with round-up gossip columns, this should be treated as a rumour worth monitoring rather than an imminent deal.