Chelsea could ruin Arsenal transfer plans AGAIN as Blues target John Stones

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John Stones is one option being considered by Chelsea in their search for central defensive reinforcements, potentially putting the Blues on another collision course with Arsenal .

Stones is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Manchester City and, despite a season of limited game time, his stock is high after a strong showing at the World Cup with England . At the age of 32, Stones offers extensive Premier League pedigree following his trophy-laden decade in Manchester and is understood to have suitors both in England and abroad .

It emerged over the weekend that Arsenal are courting Stones amid concerns that William Saliba faces up to five months on the sidelines due to the back injury that plagued him during the World Cup.

However, The Athletic have revealed that Chelsea are also keen on Stones, who would aid their mission to add more 'ready-made' players to their squad.

Chelsea could add two central defenders to their squad this summer depending on exits and are currently in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for the impressive Maxence Lacroix. A deal for the 26-year-old could cost as much as £55million, though, which is a figure higher than Chelsea's valuation of the Frenchman.

If both Arsenal and Chelsea were to move for Stones in the coming weeks, then he would be the second England World Cup star the London clubs have competed for this summer after Morgan Rogers.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are long-term admirers of the Aston Villa star, who was always expected to move for big money this summer.

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But despite Arsenal emerging as the red-hot favourites to land him in recent weeks, it's Chelsea who have won the race for Rogers' signature after shaking hands with Aston Villa on a deal worth £117m.

Arsenal are understood to have valued Rogers at £80m, though it's understood they may have gone to £100m to land a player who amassed 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 games in all competitions last season.

But with Villa's valuation of Rogers increasing in the wake of Elliot Anderson's £116m transfer to Manchester City, Chelsea have put up the money to seal what could well end up being the biggest deal of the summer.