Transfer Daily: John Stones To Leave?

Stones To Leave Manchester City? Late last night, rumors began swirling about John Stones. According to The Sun, Stones will be allowed to leave in the summer with Arsenal and Liverpool monitoring his situation. Stones has failed to lock down a starting role after a promising start to the 2017/2018 campaign. Stones pulled his hamstring in the winter and was forced to miss 6 weeks. His form never recovered since returning from injury. He has been in and out of the team since, and has picked up yet another injury. Stones has not featured for Man City since March, before the international break, where Stones played in both matches for England.

UPDATE: According to various sources, Manchester City will not be putting up John Stones for sale, with Pep Guardia insisting that he will be a big part of the team next season. Stones is recovering from an abductor injury and is hopeful that he will be ready in time for the World Cup in Russia.

Jorginho Close To Signing For Man City: According to Sam Lee Of GOAL, Manchester City are close to securing their first signing of the new season. Sam Lee is led to believe that Jorginho of Napoli is top of Pep Guardiola’s list. He also suggests that City want 2 signings, a holding midfielder, which is now believed to be Jorginho, as well as signing another forward/winger, which has yet to be determined. Jorginho is valued at around £50 million, and is now leading the way to sign with City. It was reported yesterday that Jorginho favored a move to Man City over Man United, with his agent supposedly in Manchester discussing a move.

Man City Plotting Iniesta Move? According to the Express, Manchester City are the favorites to land Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta once his contract expires at the end of the season. The bookmakers are believed to have placed the odds at 6/1 at Iniesta joining Man City at seasons end. Iniesta has been widely linked with a move to China though. The 33 year old Spaniard is set to announce his future soon with Barcelona, where he is expected to announce his departure from the club, where he has spent his entire career on. If Iniesta were to stay in Europe, Man City would be the obvious choice. According to Alan Alger of Betway’s, “a deal could be in the cards”.

Isco Back On The Radar? According to Eduardo Inda, Manchester City will target Isco in the summer. Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Eduardo speculates that Man City are still interested in the Real Madrid Star, and will return for him in the summer. Isco has been linked for years on a move to Man City. Most recently, he was linked with a move away in March, with Man City apparently leading the way. Those rumors were shot down later, as they have been for years. Isco doesn’t have the greatest relationship with Real Madrid coach Zidane, and he has been in and out of the team recently with them. It does appear he has regained some confidence from the manager, and has featured a bit more often. We will continue to monitor this situation, add nauseam.

Arteta To Manager Arsenal? According to Sky Sports, Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis believes Mikel Arteta is the man to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. Gazidis was reportedly the guy that recommended Arsene Wenger be replaced at the end of the season, and told owner Stan Kronke his intentions to do so. Arteta has a growing reputation as an innovative coach after spending time with Manchester City as an assistant. Some speculate that he could be the next Pep Guardiola in the wings. Gazidis has requested that the club “be bold” on their next hire. Despite Arteta’s lack of head coach experience, Gazidis believes he has the credentials to succeed at the club. Arteta spent 5 seasons with Arsenal, racking up 149 appearances, 16 assists and 8 goals, along with being captain of the team.

Mangala To Wolves? According to the Sun, newly promoted Wolves are high on Mangala’s radar in the summer. Wolves want to bolster their chances on staying in the top flight, and are targeting defenders to do so. Mangala has been at Everton on loan since the winter. He suffered a horrible knee injury that ended his season shortly after joining. Mangala has 1 year left on his deal with Man City, where it has been a disappointing journey so far. Mangala has interest from other English clubs, which includes Crystal Palace. Valencia, where he spent a year on loan, also is keen on bringing him back to the club. Mangala is expected to make a full recovery from his knee injury and should be ready for the start of next season.

My Take: Never bought the John Stones rumors for a second. He is a Pep Guardiola favorite, where Pep is constantly praising Stones. Hes perfect for the manager and is excellent at playing out from the back. I expect Stones to have a bigger role next season. The injury came at a horrible time, where City were in the full swing of the season. EPL and Champions League. He simply didnt regain his form and fell down the pecking order. I expect him to regain his place next season. Kompany is almost out of contract and it really doesnt make sense to sell Stones. I expect Kompany to have a lesser role next season with Stones, Laporte and Otamendi featuring more.

• It seems we have our first concrete news of the transfer season. Jorginho isnt a done deal, but hes absolutely on Man City’s radar. I expect this deal to get done by the seasons end. City might add 2 midfielders to bolster their depth, which I think was lacking this season. Iniesta could be persuaded to join for a season or two. Kind of like a Frank Lampard role when he was here. City could target Thiago as well.
• I am not buying Isco rumors, which were recently shot down again. This never ending saga is annoying to City fans and it doesnt seem like the links are ever significant.
• Arteta cold absolutely be the guy to take over Arsenal, though I do expect Arsenal to go after a more experienced manager.
• I really wish Mangala the best, he’s had a horrible go at things recently. Cant catch a break, cant stay on a team. I think this Wolves move would be a great thing. Its always great for a player lacking confidence to join a recently promoted club. Everyone is really happy and typically, these kinds of clubs find early success. It could be just what Mangala needs to resurrect his career.