Reported Arsenal target John Stones getting back into the Manchester City team has surprised Jamie Carragher, as he said on Sky Sports Premier League (10:53pm, December 21, 2020).
Stones is on the radar of Arsenal, who are keen on bringing him to the Emirates Stadium if he becomes available in the January transfer window, according to a report in Eurosport this month.
The former Everton central defender had not been playing regularly for City for a while, but in recent weeks, the 26-year-old has found himself back in favour of manager Pep Guardiola.
Stones has started and completed three of City’s Premier League matches this month, according to WhoScored, and Carragher has pointed out that he has done so ahead of Aymeric Laporte, who is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
The former Liverpool defender, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that if Stones can stay in the City team between now and the end of the season, then he could be part of the England team for the European Championship next summer.
While naming Stones as the player to watch in 2021, Carragher said on Sky Sports Premier League (10:53pm, December 21, 2020): “Laporte has been left out for John Stones. You would never believe that a few months ago. If John Stones can stay in the team, it brings England back into the equation.
“Let’s not forget how well he did at the tournament a couple of years ago well. I think if he is playing week in week out for City, it brings England back into the equation.”
Unlikely Arsenal transfer?
With Stones back playing on a regular basis for City, it is hard to see manager Pep Guardiola decide to sell him in the middle of the season.
It is very unlikely that Arsenal will be able to secure the services of the 26-year-old next month.
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