Arsenal 'step up interest in Manchester City centre-back John Stones'

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Manchester City centre-back John Stones.

The 25-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, with makeshift defender Fernandinho preferred at the heart of the defence for much of the campaign while Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi also sit above him in Pep Guardiola's pecking order.

Man City are expected to undergo an overhaul of their defensive unit this summer and have been linked with a big-money move for Milan Skriniar, which would further limit Stones's first-team chances.

TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal are now ready to step up their efforts to sign the England international, whom City would be willing to let leave for around £50m this summer.

Mikel Arteta worked with Stones during his time at the Etihad Stadium and believes that he could help to shore up an Arsenal defence which has shipped 36 goals in 28 Premier League games this season.

However, the Gunners could face competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while Stones's former club Everton are also thought to be monitoring the situation.