Inter are closing in on signing John Stones as a free transfer after the 32-year-old defender left Manchester City in June.

Inter and their rival Italian club Juventus were interested in Stones before the World Cup and the Nerazzurri are now in pole position to recruit him following his impressive form in England’s run to the semi-finals.

Stones made 13 appearances for City last season before being injured in December. Yet after being out for two months and staying injury-free, he was selected only five more times by City’s then manager Pep Guardiola.

At the World Cup, Stones started the opening game for Thomas Tuchel’s team against Croatia, was an unused substitute against Ghana and Panama, made substitute appearances in the knockout wins against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mexico, before starting the quarter-final victory against Norway and the 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina.

Towards the end of last season Stones spoke of his continuing ambition to play at the top level. “I still feel I have so much to give a club and I feel in a good moment physically,” he said. “There is a lot for me still to fight for in my career and a new challenge will be exciting. I’m keeping an open mind. I can take what I have learned here and maybe pass it on.”

While Inter are confident of signing Stones, the deal could yet collapse should a requisite Premier League club express an interest.

Arsenal’s William Saliba is out for an extended period with a back injury, meaning a defender is needed for cover in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Chelsea under Xabi Alonso are expected to play with three centre-backs so are in the market to sign at least one. Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea, though, are yet to make a move for Stones.