Inter Milan Set to Sign John Stones as Free Agent While Pursuing Cristian Romero

FolioPitch.com – 27 July 2026 | Inter Milan are on the verge of completing a sensational double defensive swoop, with John Stones poised to join as a free agent and Cristian Romero also in their sights. The phrase ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ has dominated transfer headlines, as the Nerazzurri look to rebuild their backline after the departures of Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian.

According to multiple sources, Stones has agreed to a two-year contract with Inter worth €4 million per season net, valid until June 2028. The England international, who recently helped his national team secure a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, is currently on vacation and has not yet scheduled a medical. However, the verbal agreement is reportedly in place, and Stones is expected to become an Inter player imminently. This development marks the first major step in the club’s summer overhaul, with ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ encapsulating their dual strategy.

Inter’s interest in Stones is not new, but the defender’s availability as a free agent after his Manchester City contract expired proved irresistible. The 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having won multiple Premier League titles and Champions League trophies with City. His ability to play as a center-back or defensive midfielder adds tactical flexibility for manager Simone Inzaghi. With Acerbi and Darmian leaving, Inter needed at least two new defenders, and Stones fills one slot perfectly.

However, the club is not stopping there. Inter are also actively pursuing Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero, with whom they have been linked for weeks. The Argentine World Cup winner is reportedly eager to return to Serie A, where he previously impressed on loan at Genoa and later with Atalanta. Tottenham, though, are demanding around €40 million for the 28-year-old, a fee that Inter are trying to negotiate down. The phrase ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ reflects the club’s ambition to secure both players, potentially creating a formidable defensive partnership.

Adding to the intrigue, Inter already have another former Premier League defender in Manuel Akanji, who joined from Manchester City last summer. If both Stones and Romero arrive, the Nerazzurri could field an all-English-Argentinian backline, blending experience with aggression. The pursuit of Romero remains a priority, but the deal is complex due to Tottenham’s valuation and Inter’s financial constraints. Nevertheless, ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ remains the central narrative of Inter’s transfer window.

Romero’s desire to return to Italy is well-documented. After his stints with Genoa and Atalanta, he moved to Tottenham in 2021 but has consistently expressed affection for Serie A. Inter see him as the ideal long-term partner for Stones, with both players comfortable in a three-man defense. The €40 million price tag is steep, but Inter hope to structure payments or include add-ons to close the deal. Meanwhile, Stones’ free transfer allows the club to allocate more funds to Romero’s acquisition.

The summer transfer window is still early, but Inter are moving swiftly. With the World Cup over, Stones and other stars are returning to club preparations. The medical for Stones could be scheduled within days, while Romero’s transfer may take longer. Regardless, the message from Milan is clear: ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ is not just a rumor but a concrete plan. Fans are already dreaming of a defense that could dominate Italian football for years.

In conclusion, Inter Milan are making bold moves to strengthen their defense. The anticipation around ‘Stones ready for Inter as free agent but Romero still wanted too’ highlights the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market. If both deals materialize, Inter will boast one of the most formidable backlines in Europe, combining Premier League pedigree with Serie A grit. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations continue.