Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on John Stones and Hatem Ben Arfa Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly ready to curtail their interest in Everton defender John Stones, with the Blues said to be unwilling to be pulled into a bidding war for the youngster.

That’s according to Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express, who has stated aside from the London club, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the centre-back. It’s that widespread interest that is reportedly poised to put the Blues off.

“They [Chelsea] were thought to be preparing another bid of about £40 million for the 21-year-old when the transfer window opens this summer,” Fissler added. “But the indications are that Everton are hoping that the huge amount of interest being shown in Stones will push the fee over the £50 million mark.”

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Incoming manager Antonio Conte is said to be a fan of the player, although he is also noted to have “his own lengthy list of targets to bring in.”

As noted by the Royal Blue Mersey Twitter feed, following Chelsea’s interest pre-season, the young man looks to have lost concentration in 2015-16:

Under the guidance of manager Roberto Martinez, whose own forte is many shades removed from helping young defenders improve, he’s lost his way this term. The balance of ball playing and defending, which was superb in his first two seasons in the team, has shifted too far toward the former. Stones is looking like a player who could benefit from a fresh start.

World Soccer Talk’s Nipun Chopra thinks there are a lot of players in the Everton team who are in a similar boat:

There’s a reason so many elite names are linked with the youngster, too. With the right guidance, the tools are there for a wonderful footballer to come to blossom. Stones is dynamic, reads the game well and can time tackles superbly.

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Chelsea, it seems, after such prolonged interest are going to go in a different direction as they seek to replace skipper John Terry, whose contract expires at the end of the season, at the base of the side.

Chelsea to Battle for Hatem Ben Arfa

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According to Jack Otway of the Daily Star, Chelsea are “desperate” to pip Barcelona to the capture of Hatem Ben Arfa, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.

The France international can discuss terms with other teams, having signed a short-term deal with Nice ahead of the campaign. And after starring in Ligue 1, the 29-year-old seems to have a selection of illustrious clubs interested in landing him.

It’s been a season to remember for the winger, formerly of Newcastle United and Hull City. Here is a look at the kind of quality he can offer:

After leaving the latter, Ben Arfa's career was on such a downward trajectory it seemed impossible for him to recover. However, since moving to Nice he’s settled in well, been handed more responsibility in the team and responded with some excellent performances, including 17 goals in the French top flight.

There have always been question marks when it comes to Ben Arfa’s attitude and discipline. But European football expert Andy Brassell thinks his recent turnaround should be praised:

At a club like Barcelona or Chelsea more demands will be placed on the player, though, whether that be in terms of his output in the final third, holding a position on the field or working back to help the team. These responsibilities are what Ben Arfa has found tough to shoulder in his career, although there have been signs of increased maturity this term.

The Premier League doesn’t seem like the right fit for him at this point. Physically, he found it tough to cope at times during his spell with Newcastle, while La Liga, where technical players tend to thrive, is ideal for bringing out the best in players like Ben Arfa. Plus, if it’s a straight choice between the Blues and the Blaugrana, at the moment there’s only one winner.