Rumour: Arsenal eye summer move for Everton's John Stones

John Stones being eyed by Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal are lining up a summer move for Everton defender John Stones as manager Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his back-line in the wake of several heavy defeats this season, according to the Metro.

Stones was part of the Everton side that swatted Arsenal aside with a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park, with the Toffees adding their name to a list that includes Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea as sides that have inflicted heavy defeats on the Gunners at home.

Wenger expects Thomas Vermaelen to push for a move away from the club in the summer after finding his first team opportunities limited this season at the Emirates, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker the preferred options in the centre of defence.

The Arsenal boss is now casting his eye around for replacements and has set his sight on Stones, who has progressed under new manager Roberto Martinez at Everton to make a number of first team appearances.

Wenger had been alerted to Stones’ potential when the youngster was with Barnsley before he linked up at Goodison, and has now instructed his scouts to keep an eye on the defender for the remainder of the season ahead of a potential summer bid.

Stones is also comfortable in the right-back position as well as central defence, a position Arsenal are also likely to need strengthening with the departure of Bacary Sagna expected to take place when his contract expires at the end of the season.