Everton hopes of re-signing John Stones look less certain than they did a few days ago, with reports suggesting the free-agent defender is leaning towards a move to London rather than a return to Merseyside.
According to TEAMtalk, Stones is keen on resuming his Premier League career in the capital, with Arsenal currently appearing to edge Chelsea in the race.
Arsenal’s interest has heightened following William Saliba’s serious injury for France at the World Cup, which is expected to keep him out for four to five months, while Chelsea have added Stones to their own shortlist, according to The Athletic.
That marks a shift from only days ago, when SportsBoom reported Stones was set for crunch talks with Everton, with David Moyes’ side “determined to wrap up a deal before the new Premier League season.”
TEAMtalk’s more recent reporting takes a different view, suggesting Everton could have been the main contender for Stones “if not for” his preference to settle in London.
There is still an obvious emotional pull for Everton in this one. Stones spent three years at Goodison Park before his £47.5million move to City in 2016, and Moyes’ admiration for him has never been in doubt. But at 32, and with genuine Premier League suitors now circling following a strong World Cup, momentum appears to be moving away from Everton rather than towards them.
Nothing is finalised, and Stones himself is expected to take time to consider his options before committing to any club. For Evertonians hoping for a nostalgic reunion, though, the picture is less straightforward than it looked earlier in the week.
