Rumour: Arsenal and Chelsea chasing £15m Everton defender John Stones

Everton defender John Stones

Arsenal and Chelsea are chasing young Everton starlet John Stones, as Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho look to strengthen their back-line.

Everton signed Stones from Barnsley, when David Moyes was in charge, in January 2013 for a fee in the region of £3 million. Despite having failed to initially hit the ground running, Stones has been in the side for the last few weeks replacing the injured Phil Jagielka.

The 19-year-old centre-back has not looked out of place, though, and is slowly becoming one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League. Stones was nothing short of brilliant against Arsenal just over a week ago. He followed that up with another clean-sheet, away to Sunderland and such shrewd performances from a man at such a young age shows why Everton may have a fight on their hands to keep the youngster.

The England U21 international is being chased by both Arsenal and Chelsea, , according to reports in the Daily Mail, with the Gunners thought to be the front-runners. Both clubs will have a fight on their hands, however, as Stones is committed to the club as they push for Champions League football.

Should the Merseyside club edge Arsenal out in the race for fourth, then Wenger’s men will most certainly miss out on Stones as the defender will be more keen on Champions League football.

Chelsea have plenty of young centre-backs coming through, including the incoming St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma, who was purchased by the Blues in the January transfer window but then loaned straight back out to them.

Stones will reportedly command a fee in the region of £15 million after his fantastic performances so far this season.

John Stones has a 90% pass accuracy in the Premier League this season.