Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has denied that the Gunners are interested in signing Manchester City and England defender John Stones.
The Manchester City defender has been linked with a move to north London, having found his opportunities limited so far this season at the Etihad Stadium.
Stones has made 14 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side this season, with his last coming on Sunday as Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa 6-1 in the Premier League at Villa Park.
But he has found himself on the sidelines for much of the campaign, amid injury problems and not being first choice for Guardiola.
And Arteta, who worked with Stones during his time as Manchester City assistant head coach alongside Guardiola, has been asked about the possibility of Arsenal signing Stones in January.
In response, he said: “[There is] No truth in John Stones. No truth in Frank Kessie.
“John is a player I really like. When I look at centre-backs he’s got many attributes I like but I’m not looking at him.”
The Sun had reported that Arsenal were interested in a surprise move for the Manchester City man, with Arteta seeing his defensive options depleted by a serious injury to Calum Chambers.
However, the Manchester Evening News reported that Manchester City had ruled out any chance of John Stones leaving to join Arsenal in this transfer window.
