Arsenal ponder swoop for free agent defender John Stones amid injury fears for William Saliba - Paper Round

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Arsenal are considering a move for free agent John Stones amid fears William Saliba could face five months out. Meanwhile, Bernardo Cueva is moving behind the scenes at Chelsea, Hull City are in talks for Leon Bailey, and Liverpool have signed academy defender Isaiah Bryan from West Bromwich Albion.

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Arsenal contemplate Stones move

Arsenal are evaluating the possibility of recruiting John Stones on a short-term basis as emergency cover.

This contingency plan depends on the severity of a back problem sustained by their primary centre-back William Saliba, with internal concerns suggesting a potential five-month lay-off.

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Experienced defender Stones recently entered the market after his decade-long stay at Manchester City ended.

The Sun reports: "Arsenal are considering John Stones as a short-term freebie fix if William Saliba's injury proves to be serious.

"Saliba's suspected back issue is yet to be assessed by the Gunners, but there are fears he could be out for up to five months.

"It has seen the Premier League champions turn their attention to free agent Stones as a possible option that would not break the bank.

"Boss Mikel Arteta knows the 32-year-old well, having worked with him at Manchester City during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

"Stones left City after ten years at the end of June and made history at the World Cup by becoming the first-ever unattached player to play for England.”

Chelsea set-piece coach steps away

Specialist coach Bernardo Cueva is stepping away from direct pitch-based duties at Chelsea to assume a position within the BlueCo ownership group.

Originally brought in from Brentford two years ago for substantial compensation, the tactician will now deliver advisory support from behind the scenes.

His revised brief concentrates on detailed tactical review, profiling upcoming opponents, and delivering performance metrics.

His absence has been noticeable since preparations for the new campaign commenced under Xabi Alonso earlier this month.

The Daily Mail reports: "Bernardo Cueva, who has served as Chelsea’s set-piece specialist for the last two seasons, is changing roles to one more behind the scenes and away from the pitch.

"The Mexican, 38, had been in charge of set-plays since 2024 when the Premier League club hired him out of Brentford, reportedly at a compensatory cost worth around £1 million.

"Now, Daily Mail Sport can reveal Cueva will be taking on a different position under Chelsea’s owners BlueCo in a more technical and advisory capacity.

"Among his responsibilities, he will carry a particular focus on set-piece analysis, opposition preparation, and performance insights.

"Usually a constant presence on the pitch, Cueva has not been spotted in Chelsea's training sessions since pre-season started under Xabi Alonso on Thursday, July 9.”

Hull in talks for Villa winger Bailey

Hull City have emerged as active contenders to secure the signature of Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey.

The player is also attracting firm interest from overseas, with representatives from both the Turkish top flight and La Liga exploring a move.

However, remaining within domestic football remains the forward's clear priority due to family considerations and his children's schooling, provided a financial package can be successfully negotiated between the relevant parties.

The Athletic reports: "Hull City are among the clubs in talks to sign Leon Bailey from Aston Villa.

"Turkish outfit Trabzonspor have also expressed an interest in the Jamaican international, as well as La Liga club Celta Vigo.

"Yet remaining in England, where Bailey’s children are in school, is currently preferred, provided the clubs can reach an agreement."

Liverpool sign teenage WBA defender Bryan

Liverpool have successfully concluded a deal to bring highly regarded youth prospect, Isaiah Bryan, into their academy infrastructure.

The acquisition was officially publicised via social media, with the teenager designated to move directly into the developmental setup.

Reports indicate that the club successfully navigated competition from domestic rivals to finalise the agreement, which involved a modest financial package structured as development compensation rather than a standard purchase.

The Daily Star reports: "Liverpool have finalised the signing of young centre-back Isaiah Bryan from West Brom, with the 14-year-old prospect joining for around £200,000.

"Bryan, whose transfer was announced on Instagram, is set to join Liverpool's under-15s squad.

"It's rumoured the Reds pipped Aston Villa to the post in securing the defender's services.

"The mooted £200,000 figure is understood to be a compensation fee, rather than an official transfer sum."

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