Arsenal ready to splash the cash on Stones

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to spend in excess of £30 million to sign Everton defender John Stones, according to the Daily Mirror.

Stones remains a target for Chelsea but the Toffees rejected multiple bids for the centre-back in the summer and Arsenal are now set to enter the race for his signature.

Roberto Martinez has insisted Stones will not be sold in January but Wenger is reportedly prepared to test Everton's resolve, seeing the 21-year-old as a long-term investment.