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Arsenal and Chelsea battling for centre-back being compared to John Stones

Originally posted on Caught Offside | By Jason Pettigrove | Last updated 2/22/24

When the game’s top talents or rising stars become available, the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal will at least want to be in the conversation for their services even if, ultimately, they lose out.

The London rivals are currently at different stages of their respective projects and, one could argue, have two totally distinct ways of working.

Under Mikel Arteta the Gunners have targeted players for specific positions and then gone after them with a laser like focus.

Chelsea’s modus operandi under Todd Boehly’s ownership is to seemingly buy whoever is available at whatever cost and see what works.

At this stage Arsenal’s outlook could be said to be the more successful, though it’s Chelsea that are in the first final of the season and could therefore win the first available silverware in 2023/24.

Looking further ahead, the clubs appear set to do battle over a centre-back who is earning rave reviews and comparisons to Man City’s John Stones according to The Athletic (subscription required).

Aberdeen’s 15-year-old Lewis Carrol is said to have been promised that he’ll be fast-tracked into the first-team by the Dons, however, the interest of the Premier League duo complicates matters.

It isn’t yet clear if the youngster will be seduced by the idea of playing in the English top-flight, or whether he will continue his education in Scotland.

This article first appeared on Caught Offside and was syndicated with permission.

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