John Stones, the 32-year-old England center-back who spent a decade at Manchester City, became a free agent on June 30 after his contract expired. Now Juventus is circling, alongside a handful of other major European clubs looking to add experienced defensive talent without paying a transfer fee.

The Stones sweepstakes

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Stones has been offered to Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan in early July. The Italian club is reportedly assessing the deal but has not submitted a formal bid.

Stones won six Premier League titles during his time at Manchester City. He originally moved to City from Everton back in 2016 for £47.5 million, and he’s been a regular in England’s squad at major international tournaments.

The sticking points are more practical: his wage demands sit at roughly €6 million per year, and his recent injury record has raised red flags. For a club like Juventus, which has been navigating its own financial restructuring in recent seasons, those numbers matter.

Chelsea has also entered the conversation, reportedly interested in bringing Stones to Stamford Bridge on a two-year deal. The player is said to be open to that move, which would keep him in England’s top flight.

Budget constraints

The €6 million annual salary Stones reportedly commands is modest by Premier League standards but significant for Serie A clubs operating under tighter financial constraints. Juventus has been rebuilding its financial credibility after accounting irregularities led to a points deduction in the 2022-23 season, and every major financial decision is scrutinized through that lens.