Chelsea have been linked with John Stones for some time, as expected. According to reports, both Chelsea and Manchester City are tracking the youngster. Stones is widely expected to become a very exciting player.
Stones had strong finish to the last campaign under Roberto Martinez and found himself consistently in the first team during the latter stages of the season. In total he made 23 appearances and become a full England international.
Chelsea tabled a £20m bid for the 21 year old, with Everton clearly reluctant to sell the player, should they sell him, they definitely won’t want him to go cheaply. Various reports are stating that Everton are holding out for anywhere between £25m-£30m for the player. In my opinion, Chelsea should be paying this fee.
It would represent great value for money in the long term. Stones comes with bags of potential and could easily grow into the player to replace club captain John Terry. Players and pundits alike have all tipped Stones to succeed for club and country in the future, whichever club that should be. At the young age of just 21, John Stones could possibly be the future of Chelsea Football Club for the next 10-15 years.
If Chelsea do continue their pursuit of the young defender, I think we can expect him to be given a similar role to Kurt Zouma this season. With maybe more game time, Stones will not need time to adapt to the leader, however Mourinho I am sure will want to bed the player in slowly. Allowing the player time to watch the likes of Terry and Cahill, learn from the both respectively, without piling way too much pressure on his young shoulders.
Not seen much of Stones? No problem. His style of play is one that will suit Chelsea, the young defender is calm and composed on the ball, with an eye for a pass. Here is how WhoScored.com describe Stones.
He wouldn’t be a marquee signing as such, he is not going to bring the same presence of a Raphael Varane, however it would be great business from Chelsea, should we bring the defender in. Being so young, Mourinho and Terry would still have a vast amount of time between them to teach and mould Stones into a potentially great central defender. He would be another home grown player added to the squad, as well as boasting the knowledge of this demanding league.
It is looking ever more likely that Everton will play hard ball over the price and will be sure to squeeze every possible penny out of Chelsea for his services. With Cristian Atsu spending time on loan at Goodison Park last season, we may even see a player head in the opposite direction. However Atsu’s lack of playing time last season may hinder that move.
What do you think of the move? Is this a good deal for Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts!
