John Stones is on the brink of completing a medical examination that will finalise his prospective transfer to Inter Milan, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The England centre‑back has already reached a verbal agreement to join the Serie A giants 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 step before the deal can be sealed. Inter have accelerated their pursuit of Stones after Juventus entered the picture over the weekend, reaching out to his representatives with an overture of their own.
In addition to Juventus, both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked to the defender, indicating a high level of interest from several top clubs across Europe. The Italian side are also keeping tabs on Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero, who has been identified by head coach Christian Chivu as his primary target for bolstering the back line.
While Romero would likely command a substantial fee, the possibility remains that Inter could secure both Romero and Stones if a departure such as Benjamin Pavard materialises. At present, however, Stones remains the centerpiece of Inter’s defensive recruitment strategy. Despite having featured in five matches for England at the recent World Cup, Stones’ injury record could raise some concerns for the Milanese side.
The 32‑year‑old defender saw his playing time severely curtailed during the 2022‑23 Premier League season, managing only 439 minutes because of recurring thigh, calf and other muscular problems. The season before that was similarly disrupted, with him logging just 547 minutes in league action. Over his decade‑long spell at Manchester City, Stones never featured in more than 59 per cent of the total possible Premier League minutes, a statistic that underscores the intermittent nature of his availability. These fitness issues are likely to be scrutinised during the upcoming medical, as Inter will want assurance that the player can maintain a regular presence in their back line.
Nevertheless, his experience at the highest level – including a World Cup campaign and multiple Premier League titles – makes him an attractive acquisition for a club looking to reinforce its defence while also adding leadership qualities. If the medical goes smoothly and the contract terms are agreed upon, Stones will become the latest high‑profile English defender to ply his trade in Italy, joining a growing list of compatriots who have made the move to Serie A in recent years. His arrival could also influence Inter’s tactical set‑up, providing them with a ball‑playing centre‑half capable of initiating attacks from deep positions, a skill set that aligns well with Chivu’s preferred style of play.
Beyond the immediate transfer narrative, the situation highlights the broader dynamics of the summer market, where clubs are balancing the desire for proven talent against the risk of injury‑prone players. Inter’s willingness to act swiftly – especially after Juventus showed interest – suggests they are eager to secure Stones before other suitors can mount a more aggressive bid.
Fans of the club can stay updated on the development through the Sky Sports app, which offers live transfer centre updates and the latest headlines from the Premier League and other competitions. While the medical and contract finalisation are pending, the excitement surrounding a potential Stones signing continues to build, with supporters hoping that the defender will add solidity and composure to an Inter defence that has shown both promise and vulnerability in recent campaigns. In summary, John Stones is set to undergo his medical on Thursday, a step that will determine whether his free‑transfer move to Inter Milan becomes a reality.
Despite interest from Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea, the Italian champions appear most committed to securing his services, even as they keep an eye on other defensive targets like Cristian Romero. The outcome of the medical will be crucial, given Stones’ sporadic injury history, but his pedigree and experience could prove invaluable for Inter’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.