Report: Arsenal make Manchester City defender John Stones their top target

Arsenal have reportedly made John Stones their top target this January and could move for him in a bid to improve the defensive options available to new head coach Mikel Arteta.

Stones worked with Arteta at Manchester City, where the Spaniard was the assistant coach until last month.

According to The Sun, Stones is Arteta's leading target, with the former midfielder willing to bring in the England international this month even if it has to be on loan.

The report adds that Stones and Arteta are represented by the same agency, and that Stones would be keen on the move as he looks to regain a starting place for England ahead of Euro 2020 in the summer.

The former Everton and Barnsley defender has made just six Premier League appearances this season because of injury, but has also seen his teammates selected ahead of him this term.

The Gunners currently have just four fit centre-backs, although Rob Holding is returning from a long-term layoff and Shkodran Mustafi is out of favour and thought to be in search of a move away from the club.