Chelsea pushing to sign defender ahead of Arsenal

Chelsea are reportedly pushing to sign defender John Stones ahead of Arsenal this summer.

The Blues recently stunned the Gunners by landing Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers in a club-record deal worth £117 million.

Rogers was the Gunners' prime attacking target, but the club's hierarchy were reluctant to match the Blues' proposal for the Englishman.

Arsenal are now keen on landing Stones on a free transfer after his release from Manchester City, but Chelsea could pile more misery on them.

The west London giants have also made contact with his representatives, with manager Xabi Alonso eyeing more experience in central defence.

Arsenal are currently assessing the back injury sustained by William Saliba, but reports suggest that he could be ruled out for four to five months.

With Jurrien Timber and Ben White having fitness issues too, the Gunners are keen on landing a senior centre-back to compete with Cristhian Mosquera for the right central defensive role next season.