Pep Guardiola insists there is no chance of Manchester City selling England defender John Stones this summer.
Stones’ future has been the subject of speculation because of a lack of regular action in the second half of City’s Premier League title-winning campaign and this week Arsenal were linked with a possible move for him.
The 23-year-old lost his place after suffering a hamstring injury in November and has since had to deal with other fitness problems, as well as increased competition following the signing of Aymeric Laporte.
Yet his early-season performances were impressive and Guardiola is happy with his progress, saying reports he could leave the Etihad Stadium are wide of the mark.
“I’m not going to comment on the transfers when it’s fake news,” said Guardiola. “I don’t know how people believe we’re going to sell John Stones.
“He is a young player, an international English player. He’s a huge part of the reason why we won the title.
“The first six months he was amazing but, after going to national team twice, he came back injured. After that, he handled the situation.
“John is not going to move. I don’t know how long I will be here in Manchester but, as long as I’m here, John Stones will be with us.
“He’s going to stay here with me. He is a joy to train, I want to help him.”