Manchester City have no intention of entertaining Arsenal’s interest in defender John Stones and will offer the England international a new deal to stay at the Etihad.
Stones’ current deal expires in 2022 and Arteta has always been an admirer of the former Everton centre-back, who he worked with for three years before moving to the Emirates. Arteta wants both of his centre-backs to be comfortable in possession and to be able to bring the ball out of defence, which he feels he’s found in Gabriel since the defender joined from Lille in a £22 million deal.
The Spaniard had been keen to pair Gabriel with a right-sided centre-back and he has long admired Stones’ ability to take responsibility in building from the back. (Metro)