Chelsea’s pursuit of John Stones seems to be coming to the end they had always hoped and envisaged.
The baby-faced boy from Barnsley, 21, had handed in a transfer request according to multiple sources, including the Guardian, and Chelsea is ready to submit their final offer of $60 million for Stones.
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Everton’s rising star has shone at center back so far this season and with Chelsea’s defensive issues clear -- conceding seven goals in the opening three games is brutal and unusual for a Jose Mourinho side -- the Blues are ready to pounce to get their man.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones has been a long one, with Mourinho previously speaking out about his admiration for the England international which upset Everton boss Roberto Martinez.
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Now, it seems like Martinez is resigned to losing one of the two center backs he possesses in his squad, with Stones making it clear he wants to leave Goodison Park after two years at Everton. His progression has been faster than most expected and with John Terry’s powers appearing to waver at Chelsea, Mourinho is eager to strike while the iron is hot to line up his long-term replacement for his captain and leader in the heart of the defense.
Whether or not Stones will be a regular straight-away remains to be seen, but with Gary Cahill being dropped from the lineup in last weekend’s 3-2 win at West Brom and Kurt Zouma coming in for John Terry at half time of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City 10 days ago, Stones could well come in and become a regular as Mourinho doesn’t seem to know his best center back pairing.
After having three previous bids knocked back by Everton, the last at $45 million, Chelsea will go in with a final offer and after Stones made his feelings clear, it will be very tough for the Toffees to keep the youngster on Merseyside as the lure of challenging for trophies and playing in Europe is too strong for Stones to ignore.