Inter have joined Everton and Napoli in the race to sign free agent John Stones as the Nerazzurri look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.
Inter Milan have joined Everton in the race to sign former Manchester City defender John Stones, with the experienced England international attracting interest from several clubs after becoming available on a free transfer this summer.
The Nerazzurri are actively searching for defensive reinforcements following the departures of veteran centre-backs Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij.
Strengthening the heart of the defence has become one of the club’s top priorities ahead of the new campaign under Cristian Chivu.
Stones has emerged as an attractive option because of his availability without a transfer fee. Alongside Everton, Napoli are also monitoring the 32-year-old’s situation as they weigh up a move for one of England’s most accomplished defenders of the past decade.
Inter had previously been pursuing Oumar Solet as a key defensive target, but negotiations have cooled in recent weeks. That has prompted the Serie A giants to explore alternative options, with Stones now viewed as a realistic and financially appealing solution.
During his time at Manchester City, Stones established himself as one of Europe’s finest ball-playing defenders, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the UEFA Champions League while becoming a key figure for both club and country.
His wealth of experience at the highest level is one of the biggest attractions for Inter, who are looking to add leadership and composure to a defence that will undergo significant changes before the start of the season.
The biggest concern surrounding any potential move remains the defender’s fitness record. Stones has struggled with recurring injuries over the past few seasons, missing lengthy spells and raising questions about whether he can consistently handle the demands of another title challenge.
For now, however, any transfer discussions are likely to remain on hold while Stones focuses on England’s World Cup campaign.
Once the tournament concludes, Inter are expected to assess whether the experienced defender is the right candidate to lead their defensive rebuild ahead of the 2026-27 season.
