John Stones is poised to travel to Milan for a medical examination that will determine the final steps of his prospective transfer to Inter Milan, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The English centre‑back has already given his verbal agreement to join the Serie A club on a free transfer, and his agents are currently ironing out the specifics of a contract that is expected to run for two years.
Sky’s Italian outlet has confirmed that the medical is slated for Thursday of this week, marking the last formal hurdle before the deal can be sealed. Inter have accelerated their pursuit of Stones after Juventus reached out to his camp over the weekend, signalling that the Milanese side are keen to secure the defender before any rival clubs can intervene. In addition to Juventus, both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the 32‑year‑old, suggesting that the defender’s reputation remains strong despite recent injury concerns.
The interest from Premier League heavyweights adds an extra layer of intrigue to the negotiations. Arsenal, under their current management, have been looking to bolster their back line with a player who combines composure on the ball with aerial dominance, qualities that Stones possesses in abundance.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been active in the market for a centre‑half who can provide experience and leadership, especially after a period of defensive instability. Both clubs reportedly have had informal discussions with Stones’ representatives, but Inter’s offer appears to be the most concrete at this stage.
Inter’s scouting department has also identified Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero as a potential target. Romero, a robust Argentine defender, has been singled out by head coach Christian Chivu as his primary defensive signing for the upcoming season. However, the price tag attached to Romero is expected to be substantial, reflecting his status as one of the most sought‑after centre‑backs in Europe.
There is speculation that Inter could pull off a double acquisition, bringing both Romero and Stones to the San Siro, provided that French full‑back Benjamin Pavard decides to depart. Pavard’s exit would free up a valuable foreign player slot and reduce the wage bill, making room for two high‑profile defenders. At present, though, Stones remains the focal point of Inter’s recruitment strategy, with the club reportedly preparing a competitive package to entice the Englishman. While Stones has featured five times for England at the 2022 World Cup, lingering questions about his fitness record persist.
Over the last two Premier League campaigns, his playing time has been severely limited by a series of muscular problems. In the 2021‑22 season, he logged just 439 minutes in the league, missing large stretches of action due to thigh, calf and other muscle injuries.
The previous season was similarly disrupted, with Stones managing only 547 minutes. Throughout his ten‑year spell at Manchester City, he never exceeded 59 percent of the total possible league minutes in any single season, a statistic that underscores his vulnerability to recurring setbacks. These injury concerns are likely to be a focal point of the upcoming medical. Inter’s medical team will conduct a thorough assessment, examining everything from muscular strength and flexibility to any lingering issues that could affect his availability over the next two years.
Should the results be satisfactory, the club will move swiftly to finalize the contract and announce the signing. Beyond the immediate transfer narrative, Stones’ move to Italy could represent a fresh start for his career.
The Serie A environment, known for its tactical discipline and emphasis on defensive organization, may suit his style of play and help him manage his physical load more effectively. Inter, who are aiming to challenge both domestically and in European competition, will benefit from his experience at the highest level, including his World Cup exposure and years of competing for titles with Manchester City. For fans following the story, the Sky Sports app offers live updates, headline alerts, and a dedicated Transfer Centre that tracks the latest rumors and confirmed moves.
The platform also provides a video player optimized for Chrome, ensuring that viewers can watch related content without technical hiccups. In summary, John Stones is on the brink of completing a free transfer to Inter Milan, with a medical scheduled for Thursday.
While Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus have shown interest, Inter’s proactive approach and the prospect of a two‑year contract make them the frontrunners. The club also keeps an eye on Cristian Romero, though his price may be prohibitive.
Stones’ injury history will be scrutinized closely, but a successful medical could see him donning the black‑and‑blue shirt and contributing to Inter’s ambitions in Serie A and Europe.