John Stones is on the brink of travelling to Milan for a medical examination that will finalise his prospective switch to Inter Milan, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The England centre‑back has already given his verbal consent to join the Serie A club on a free transfer, and his agents are currently hammering out the specifics of a two‑year contract that would see him wear the black and blue stripes next season. Sky’s Italian bureau has confirmed that the medical is slated for Thursday of this week, meaning that the formalities could be wrapped up within days if all goes smoothly.
Inter have accelerated their pursuit of Stones after Juventus entered the picture over the weekend, reaching out to his representatives with a potential offer. In addition to the Turin side, both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the 32‑year‑old defender, indicating that his services remain highly coveted among England’s top clubs. While the focus this week is on Stones, Inter’s transfer agenda does not stop there.
The club’s hierarchy, led by head coach Christian Chivu, has also identified Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero as a prime defensive target. Romero, a robust centre‑half with a reputation for aggressive tackling and aerial prowess, is reportedly the top priority on Chivu’s wish list.
However, the financial outlay required to secure Romero would likely be substantial, and the Italian side would need to balance that against their budgetary constraints. One plausible scenario being floated by pundits is that Inter could end up acquiring both Stones and Romero if a departure is arranged for Benjamin Pavard, who currently occupies a similar defensive role at the club.
At present, though, the Italian champions appear most intent on sealing the deal for Stones, whose experience in the Premier League and recent World Cup exposure make him an attractive addition to a back‑line that is seeking greater depth and leadership. Stones’ recent injury record does raise a few eyebrows, despite his impressive résumé. He featured in five matches for England at the 2022 World Cup, yet his domestic playing time has been hampered by a series of muscular setbacks.
In the 2022‑23 Premier League campaign he managed just 439 minutes, sidelined by thigh, calf and other muscle issues. The preceding season was similarly disrupted, with only 547 minutes logged. Over his decade‑long spell at Manchester City, Stones never featured in more than 59 per cent of the league minutes available to him, a statistic that underscores the recurring nature of his fitness concerns.
Nevertheless, Inter’s scouting department seems convinced that his technical qualities outweigh the injury risk. Stones is known for his composure on the ball, ability to play out from the back, and his knack for reading the game – attributes that align well with the modern, possession‑oriented style that Chivu favours.
Moreover, his experience playing under Pep Guardiola at City has equipped him with a tactical understanding that could prove invaluable in Serie A, where defensive discipline and transitional play are paramount. If the medical goes well and the contractual terms are agreed upon, Stones would join a defensive unit that already includes seasoned professionals such as Milan Škriniar and Alessandro Bastoni. His arrival could also provide a fresh option for Inter’s coach, allowing for rotation and coverage during congested fixtures, particularly as the club aims to compete on multiple fronts – the Serie A title race, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.
Fans of Inter will be watching the developments closely, as the club’s recent transfer activity suggests a clear intent to bolster the spine of the team. The potential addition of a player of Stones’ calibre, combined with the possible acquisition of Romero, would signal a significant upgrade to the defensive roster, positioning the Nerazzurri as serious contenders domestically and in Europe. For those following the story on mobile devices, the Transfer Centre LIVE app provides real‑time updates, while the Sky Sports app offers additional coverage, including video highlights and expert analysis.
As the Thursday medical approaches, all eyes will be on Milan to see whether John Stones will soon be swapping the Premier League for the Italian top flight, embarking on a new chapter in his career while continuing to attract interest from some of England’s biggest clubs.