Arsenal are weighing up a surprise move for free agent John Stones after William Saliba suffered a setback with a back injury.
Saliba aggravated the problem during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain last week, with early indications suggesting he could miss up to five months of action.
The injury blow has left Arsenal facing a potentially significant gap in their defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Rather than splashing out a large transfer fee, the Gunners are exploring more affordable options to cover for their key centre-back during his recovery period.
Stones became a free agent following his departure from Manchester City after a ten-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
The 32-year-old has a strong pre-existing relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously served as an assistant coach at Manchester City during Stones’ time there.
Arteta is already dealing with a wider defensive injury crisis, with Jurrien Timber nursing a groin issue that caused him to miss the Netherlands’ World Cup squad entirely.
Ben White has also yet to return to full training following a knee injury sustained in May, leaving Cristhian Mosquera as the only readily available right-footed centre-back in the squad.
With the Premier League season set to kick off on August 21, Arsenal are keen to secure an experienced defensive solution before the campaign begins.
Stones, described as “world-class” by England manager Thomas Tuchel, put in multiple standout displays at the World Cup despite a difficult final club season at Manchester City.
The former Evertonian spent much of that final campaign on the bench or sidelined through injury, but his performances for England demonstrated he can still compete at the highest level.
Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to match the £250,000 per week Stones earned at Manchester City, with the Gunners potentially offering around £120,000 weekly alongside a small signing-on fee.
The deal could be structured as a short-term contract lasting a couple of seasons, with Stones needing to accept a significant pay-cut to make the switch happen.