Inter agree deal to sign John Stones on free transfer after Manchester City exit

Inter have reached an agreement to sign England defender John Stones on a deal until June 2028, with the option of a further season, after his departure from Manchester City.

The 32-year-old centre-back has ended a 10-year spell at Etihad Stadium and is set to undergo a medical in Milan in the coming period, according to Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Stones has agreed personal terms with the Serie A club and will earn a reported salary of €4m per year under the proposed contract.

The move comes after Stones had been strongly linked with Arsenal, who had identified him as a leading target to reinforce their defence.

Arsenal interest overtaken by Inter

Stones was recently reported to be on Arsenal’s shortlist following a significant injury to France international William Saliba.

The Athletic reported that Stones was at the top of the list of candidates to strengthen the back line for Mikel Arteta’s side, who were assessing options to cover the loss of Saliba.

Inter’s late but decisive move has now put them in pole position to secure Stones’ signature, with an agreement in place and only the formalities of a medical to complete.

World Cup bronze with England

Stones was part of the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, playing a role in their run to a third-place finish.

England defeated France 6-4 in the third-place play-off to secure the bronze medal, with Stones featuring for Gareth Southgate’s team during the tournament.

The defender, capped numerous times by his country, adds international pedigree to an Inter squad that has consistently competed at the top end of Italian and European football in recent seasons.

Decade at Manchester City

Stones leaves Manchester City after a decade in which he became a key figure in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Since joining City in 2016, he has made 295 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists from defence.

During his time under Pep Guardiola, Stones evolved into a versatile option capable of playing both as a traditional centre-back and stepping into midfield, contributing to City’s possession-based style and success domestically and in Europe.

The agreement with Inter marks the start of a new chapter in Stones’ career, as he prepares to leave the Premier League and English football for the first time to take on a new challenge in Serie A.