Arsenal Consider John Stones Free Transfer; Chelsea in Talks for Lacroix
This BBC Sport gossip roundup from July 19, 2026, reports that Arsenal are considering a free transfer for Manchester City's John Stones as a potential long-term replacement for injured defender William Saliba. Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over a £55m move for French defender Maxence Lacroix. Hull City are in talks with Aston Villa for winger Leon Bailey. New Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa wants to sign Real Madrid youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia. Aston Villa and Chelsea are monitoring Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe. Hull City are close to signing free agent Matt Targett. Liverpool are prepared to compete with Manchester United for Roma midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa have held talks with Chelsea over signing Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho. AC Milan's Rafael Leao prefers a Premier League move, with Aston Villa a potential destination. Lazio target West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also on Arsenal's list. Juventus' top goalkeeping target is Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, with David de Gea also monitored.
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