Paul Merson urges Chelsea to sign Manchester City star

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has advised Chelsea to look into the signing of John Stones from Manchester City this summer.

Stones has struggled for regular gametime under Pep Guardiola and he managed only 420 minutes of league action during the second half of the season.

As a result, he has been touted to head for the exit door this summer and it has emerged that the Blues could make an approach to land his signature.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Merson emphasised that the Blues are lacking a ball-playing centre-half in their ranks and Stones could be the ideal player in the middle of a back three.

"Chelsea don't have a naturally-gifted centre-half who can put his foot on the ball and play. I'd go and get John Stones for that, and play him in the middle of the three," He told.

Frank Lampard is keen on pursuing a new central defender ahead of next season. Aside from John Stones, the club have been linked with West Ham United star Declan Rice.

Rice has largely played as the defensive midfielder for the Hammers, but he has put up a number of top-notch displays in the central defence in the past. He is valued in excess of £70m and the price remains a stumbling block.