#360view: John Stones would be an excellent Chelsea signing

Sport360 staff 18:10 23/07/2015
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  • Stones has been earmarked as Chelsea's biggest target this summer.

    The only surprising factor about Chelsea’s pursuit of John Stones is that they are the only club openly targeting him. Stones is so good that at the very least both Manchester clubs should be doing everything they can to rival the Londoners.

    Jose Mourinho’s melodramatic updates on the topic tell you how how highly he rates him, and if anyone knows a good defender when he sees one…

    The Chelsea manager has said they will have to pay big money to land a player they have earmarked as John Terry’s long-term replacement. Mourinho is absolutely right. The £20m (Dh114.8m) offer with which they opened the bidding was merely a tactical starting point for negotiations; the Blues will end up having to pay double that before Everton start flinching in their so far steadfast refusal to entertain the notion of cashing in.

    Stones is potentially the most complete defender England has produced since Rio Ferdinand. He’s tall, fast, athletic, good in the air and phlegmatic under pressure. And, while he is more than strong enough to already cope with the demands of the Premier League, at 21 he hasn’t yet filled out entirely and will continue to develop physically.

    However, what makes him a solid gold prospect is both his ability with the ball at his feet and his IQ on the pitch. Tactically, he is very astute, positionally excellent, while he eclipses virtually all fellow English defenders when he effortlessly steps out with the ball. He welcomes possession, is never rushed or wasteful, and his distribution is as great as any of his other numerous assets. These qualities have already made him a full England internationaland he is still improving.

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    Stones is set to be the foundation of his national team’s defence for the next decade or more and whatever price it takes to sign him is worth paying. Chelsea have the means and Mourinho knows full well what a solid investment they would be making.

    Off the pitch Stones is down to earth and humble with his Yorkshire roots keeping him grounded. And that could prove the greatest barrier to Chelsea getting their man. Stones is extremely happy at Everton and signed a new five-year contract at Goodison Park just last year.

    Of course, a move would prove lucrative but that is unlikely to be a major issue for a young man as level headed as Stones. Allied with his rapid progression in the past 18 months, it is why Everton are unlikely to find themselves dealing with the same problems neighbours Liverpool had with Raheem Sterling. If he ends up leaving, it will be with a heavy heart.

    From the club’s point of view, whatever the fee might end up being, taking the cash would be a backward step for Roberto Martinez’s side. They could make a massive profit on a player who arrived for £2m (Dh11.5m) in 2013 as David Moyes’ final signing and reinvest in multiple additions to a squad which limped in 11th last term.

    The problem is they simply won’t be able to replace Stones with anyone as good, and it sends out entirely the wrong message about where they are heading. In recent seasons they have fought to keep their best players and only sold at premium prices. Two years ago, for example, Leighton Baines was retained while Manchester United had to pay £28m (Dh161m) to prise Marouane Fellaini away.

    At the moment, despite Mourinho’s predictable bleating, their resolve isn’t being seriously tested. When the money on the table starts pushing the £40m (Dh230m) mark then they might start sweating. Ferdinand cost United £30m (Dh172m) in 2002. In today’s inflated market, Stones is worth in excess of that. PSG splurged big for Marquinhos in 2013, Man City £32m (Dh183m) for Eliaquim Mangala last summer. Stones is better.

    It’s a saga which will run and run as Chelsea look to get their way. The problem for Everton is that is usually what happens. If they are to lose Stones then they must make sure the fee is eye-watering – but even then he’d be worth every penny.

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