As John Stones’ contract enters its final months without any sign of renewal, Inter Milan are reportedly preparing to make a move for Manchester City defender next summer.
The Serie A giants are said to be monitoring the situation closely, hoping to secure the 30-year-old on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
According to Inter Live, Stones has emerged as a “big target” for Inter Milan ahead of the summer transfer window. With his contract due to expire and no breakthrough in talks for an extension, the Nerazzurri are positioning themselves to make a move under the Bosman ruling.
That would allow them to negotiate directly with the player as early as January, provided Manchester City fail to reach an agreement over fresh terms.
For years, Inter have used the free-transfer market to their advantage, often signing experienced players without paying hefty fees. The club’s ongoing financial challenges have pushed them toward more strategic recruitment — focusing on proven talents available at low or no cost.
In recent seasons, that approach has paid off with smart acquisitions of veterans and out-of-favour stars from other European sides.
The report notes that Inter’s transfer model under CEO Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio has revolved around “high-value, low-cost” deals, and Stones fits the mould perfectly.
The Italian club has seen success in similar situations before, having managed to bring in players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Thuram, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu on free transfers, all of whom have since become key contributors.
Manchester City have enjoyed enormous success with Stones under Pep Guardiola, with the English defender playing a vital role in the club’s dominance of domestic and European football.
Signed from Everton for £47.5 million in 2016, Stones has been a core part of multiple title-winning campaigns. However, injuries and fluctuating form have limited his impact in recent seasons, leading to questions about his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
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While City reportedly considered selling him last summer, no move materialised. Stones was said to have “no interest in leaving,” preferring to fight for his place in Guardiola’s setup.
Since then, talks of a new deal have circulated, but there has been little progress — leaving the door open for interested clubs like Inter Milan.
City Defender’s Future Uncertain Amid Contract Stalemate
The lack of updates regarding John Stones‘ contract extension has raised speculation over whether he will remain part of Guardiola’s plans beyond this season.
For Inter Milan, this presents a significant opportunity. Despite being past his prime years in terms of resale value, Stones’ quality, versatility, and experience at the highest level still make him an appealing target for a side looking to maintain competitiveness both in Serie A and Europe.
Inter Milan’s tactical setup, which often utilises a back three, could suit Stones’ playing style. His comfort on the ball, positional awareness, and ability to step into midfield when needed mirror the tactical adaptability prized in the club’s system.
Also, the defender’s composure and technical quality could make him an asset in Italy, especially given the league’s emphasis on structured defending and game management.
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Meanwhile, despite Stones fitness concerns, he remains one of England’s most composed centre-backs and continues to feature in Gareth Southgate’s national team plans when fit. A move abroad could also mirror the late-career transitions of other English players who found success outside the Premier League.
At the same time, Manchester City are not expected to make a decision lightly. Guardiola values Stones for his tactical intelligence and flexibility, especially in hybrid roles where he has operated as both centre-back and defensive midfielder.
Yet, with younger defenders like Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and Nathan Aké also competing for places, City may choose to move on if contract talks stall further.
