Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Must Plump Big to Make Good on John Stones Rumours

After already seeing three bids for the defender turned down this summer, it's clear Chelsea will have to fork out major money in order to land Everton star John Stones, but it's an investment the Blues would be wise to make.

Despite Everton's best efforts to stem the tide of interest surrounding their centre-back, BT Sport reported on Tuesday that Stones handed in a transfer request at Goodison Park, so often the beginning of the end in transfer terms.

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Having a wantaway player among one's ranks can often be so detrimental to a squad, but the Toffees have thus far appeared content to fight off Stones' suitors irrespective of the money being offered.

The 21-year-old clearly sees the opportunity to take his career to that illustrious next level, and while a transfer request seldom gilds one's reputation, Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes empathises with Stones' decision:

It's ironic the transfer request comes after Stamford Bridge stalwart John Terry was sent off during a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion and substituted off during defeat to Manchester City, timely reminders his time at Chelsea is drawing to a close.

The 34-year-old isn't the same talent he once was, but Terry could still come to play a massive role in the development of Stones, as ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville recently wrote in his Telegraph column:

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Terry and their transfer target, John Stones, could play 25 or 35 games each for Chelsea in the transition phase. All parties would benefit. If Chelsea were to have Terry, Gary Cahill, Stones and Kurt Zouma – what a quartet of centre-backs that would be. You need four at title-winning and Champions League level, though of course Mourinho loves a settled back-four.

[...]

So Mourinho hooking Terry at the Etihad has already led to this heated speculation about the demise of Terry and inevitable friction with the manager. There is no need for it. If Chelsea were to sign a John Stones, Terry becomes the most important player at Chelsea for the next three seasons.

If Stones could watch Terry in games 15 times a season and in training three times a week then his own development will be greatly enhanced.

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It just so happens that Stones has been widely identified as Terry's successor at international level, and Three Lions coach Roy Hodgson may be among those supporting the move if the youngster was guaranteed prominence.

Goal's Liam Twomey agreed that while he may not be valued as highly in west London, Stones would still benefit greatly from studying under Jose Mourinho:

Everton signed their emerging international for a fee of £3 million in January 2013 and undoubtedly stand to make major profit on any sale, with the Guardian's Jamie Jackson reporting a fourth bid would be worth between £35 million and £40 million.

The natural, emotional response is to support any notion of rejecting such a gargantuan fee and attempt to build around Stones, but what hope of a future is there for a player who no longer wants to represent the crest?

If Chelsea are to invest at centre-back, Stones is certainly their best option, too, after Italian outlet Di Marzio (via Metro's Will Giles) reported Zenit St. Petersburg's Ezequiel Garay is the alternative.

It could be a catch-22 situation for the Merseysiders, though, as writer Richard Buxton insists any sale would see the fans turn against the Everton board:

By their usual standards, Chelsea have been quiet this summer, and after clinching last season's Premier League title, the £19 million acquisition of Pedro remains their only major signing.

Abdul Baba Rahman and Asmir Begovic have been brought in to strengthen the defence, but both will be viewed as cover options more than genuine first-team selections, whereas Stones could slip in with more ease.

Terry's gradual decline, of course, puts the centre of defence in the spotlight, and what better way to replace one of England's most accomplished defenders than with one showing all the potential to replicate that success himself?

Since moving from Barnsley two years ago, Stones has swiftly made his rise to the forefront of Everton's first team, with Squawka comparing his stellar passing averages with that of the Chelsea incumbent:

It's another ameliorating attribute he possesses that Mourinho would surely find use for, and while the "English premium" means his price tag may be viewed as extortionate, it has all the makings to become fine business.

Everton may put up the blockade, but Chelsea have the staying power to make their Premier League opponents budge eventually, and Stones is a talent worth holding out for.