The former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool midfielder believes that the Gunners need to sign a centre-back, and has suggested the ex-Everton star as a possible option.
Redknapp, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has also mentioned Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk, suggesting that Arteta – who worked with Stones when he was a coach at City – can mould the former Barnsley man into a better player.
Redknapp wrote in The Daily Mail: “One of Virgil van Dijk’s biggest assets is his decision-making. He knows when to play and when to put the ball into row Z. With Stones, that’s been a downfall.
“He is quick, strong and brave in the air but he’s made high-profile mistakes. The spotlight has been on him since he was signed from Everton for £47.5million so his errors always catch attention.
“But Stones is still only 26 — the same age Van Dijk was when he joined Liverpool. He is young enough to mould, but has only started once in the league under Pep Guardiola since January.
“Arsenal need a centre back, and Mikel Arteta knows Stones from his City days. That could be a good fit.”
Leaving Manchester City
Stones has been at City since 2016, but the England international has had injury problems, and there has also been an issue with lack of form.
The Englishman has failed to establish himself as a key figure in City’s starting lineup, and it is going to be hard for him to play week in and week out in Pep Guardiola’s side next season.
While Stones would make Arsenal better at the back, with David Luiz having signed a new contract and set to stay at the Emirates Stadium, until and unless the Gunners sell one of their other centre-backs, it is hard to see them bring in Stones.
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