Arsenal join race for talented John Stone

Arsenal are set to enter the race to sign for John Stones, writes Mirror Football's Steve Stammers.

The Everton central defender remains a target for Chelsea. Last summer they tabled three bids but Everton refused to sell even when the offers topped £30million.

But Stones’s emergence as one of the most promising central defenders in the country has been noted at Arsenal.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger prefers to buy for the long-term.

The fee for Stones, 21, will be in excess of the £30million but Wenger – despite his reputation – is not afraid to spend money on the player he feels will be right for the club.