Arsenal Consider John Stones Free Transfer; Chelsea in Talks for Lacroix
The BBC Sport gossip column for July 19, 2026, reports that Arsenal are considering a free transfer for Manchester City's John Stones as a potential long-term replacement for the injured William Saliba. Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over a £55m move for defender Maxence Lacroix. Liverpool are prepared to join Manchester United in the race for Roma midfielder Manu Kone. Aston Villa have held talks with Chelsea about signing both Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho. AC Milan's Rafael Leao prefers a Premier League move, with Aston Villa a potential destination. Lazio are targeting West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also on Arsenal's list. Juventus's primary goalkeeping target is Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, with David de Gea as a backup option. Everton could rival Inter Milan for Tottenham's Djed Spence.
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