Arsenal 'line up' shock free transfer for Man City icon amid Mikel Arteta fear

Arsenal are lining up a shock free transfer for former Manchester City defender John Stones, it has been claimed. The Gunners are expected to dip into the market this summer for a short-term replacement for William Saliba, who is facing up to five months out with a serious back injury . Saliba, 25, was forced off with the long-standing problem during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain when the pain became unbearable. Although it's unclear at this stage if Saliba will need surgery, he is still poised to miss the first part of the 2026/27 season, delivering a huge blow to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's Premier League title defence. But, in an attempt to cover for Saliba's absence, the Gunners are set to turn their attention to free agent Stones as a possible cost-effective option, according to The Sun . Arteta worked with Stones during his time alongside Pep Guardiola at City and is thought to be a huge fan of the England international. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page Stones left City at the end of his contract last month after 10 successful years at the Etihad Stadium. He joined City in August 2026 as one of Guardiola's first signings in a £50million deal from Everton. The ex-Barnsley man soon became a regular at City and became part of the club's most successful period, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups and one Champions League. During his time at City, Stones made 295 appearances and established himself as one of the best Premier League defenders in that period. While he has endured some injury issues across the last couple of years, Stones is still capable of playing at the highest level, having impressed for England at this summer's World Cup. Should Arsenal get a deal across the line, Stones would add experience and know-how to the back line in Saliba's absence. As he has done for most of his career, Stones would be able to slot in on the right-side of the back two and partner Gabriel Magalhaes, with Riccardo Calafiori at left-back and Jurrien Timber on the other flank. Speaking back in January 2020, when Arsenal were linked with a move for Stones, Arteta shut down the rumour at the time, but still praised the ex-City man. "John is a player I really like," the Gunners boss said. "When I look at centre-backs he’s got many attributes I like but I’m not looking at him." Arsenal, who face Coventry City in their Premier League opener on August 21, take on Girona in their first pre-season friendly of the summer on August 1. Most, if not all, of their non-World Cup stars are expected to feature.