John Stones has got "many attributes" that Mikel Arteta is looking for in a central defender, but the Arsenal manager denied any interest in signing the Manchester City defender in the January transfer window.
It was reported on Tuesday - in an article that has since been deleted - that the 24-year-old could make a shock switch with the player looking out for his interests ahead of Euro 2020 and the Gunners short of bodies at the back.
Former City assistant Arteta knows Stones better than most in the game and admitted there is a lot to like about the England international's game . However, when asked about the interest in a press conference ahead of Arsenal's game with Sheffield United he put paid to any talk of it happening.
“No truth in John Stones. No truth in Franck Kessie," he said.
“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.”
City had already made it clear that they will not be letting any centre-backs depart in the January transfer window. They have had their own problems at the back this season, with the failure to replace Vincent Kompany further exposed by a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte.
Guardiola has also said previously that Stones will be at the Etihad for at least as long as he is the manager "because he is a ------- amazing guy and he is going to stay here with me".
