Ray Parlour has told talkSPORT that he wanted Arsenal to sign John Stones before his resurgence in a Manchester City shirt.
Twelve months ago, Stones would have been looking for places to live outside of Manchester because he was seemingly heading for the exit door.
But fast forward to today and the only thing he is likely to book is a ticket to the delayed Euros with England.
Stones has been a standout performer for Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers this season, but it could have been a lot different.
The Sunday Mirror had previously claimed that Arsenal were keen on his signature with Mikel Arteta a ‘huge admirer’ of the player.
Well, Arteta can only admire him from afar now given the ball-playing centre-back’s form.
“He won’t be left out (of England’s squad),” said Parlour. “He’s a certainty for that squad. He has been so good this year. Him and Dias at the back for Man City. That’s been the difference this season.
“John Stones, I think he’s a shoo-in for the Euros. It’s who plays alongside John Stones. Or do they play three at the back? It shows you because you thought his career was over at Man City. But there’s always a chance. You might need luck along the way.
“To be fair to Pep Guardiola, he has given him another opportunity and he has taken it. That’s all you want to see from players.
“I was saying Arsenal should buy him (when he was out of the Man City side).”
Gareth Southgate is set to name his England squad on Thursday and Stones should be expecting a recall.
It’s a case of who plays alongside the £48 million star (BBC Sport) because no English centre-back is in better form.
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