Stones wage demands revealed as Milan, Juventus & Inter linked with departing Man City defender

Stones wage demands revealed as Milan, Juventus & Inter linked with departing Man City defender John Stones’ wage demands could put him out of reach for Italy’s biggest clubs. According to transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà, via MilanNews24 , the England centre-back has decided to leave Manchester City after a decade under Pep Guardiola, and has been linked in Italy with both Inter and Juventus. Milan, too, are in the market for a central defender to bolster Ruben Amorim’s backline, though Stones has not specifically been tied to the Rossoneri. Regardless of the suitor, Pedullà suggests the defender’s salary expectations may simply be too steep for Serie A. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 25: John Stones of Manchester City brings out the 2018/2019 Premier League trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Pedullà: Stones’ demands only for clubs willing to ‘go mad’ Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedullà laid out the numbers and offered a characteristically colourful assessment of the defender’s quality. “To stay in Europe he’s asking for 8/9 million base plus 2/3 in bonuses. I’d give it to him because he’s a strong, important defender, he’s built up extraordinary experience,” Pedullà said. “In Italy he’d play with two cigars in hand and a blindfold on. But he costs that money, and in Italy they only give you that if they’ve decided to go mad.” It amounts to a clear verdict: while Stones’ pedigree is beyond question, a serial title winner schooled in one of the most demanding systems in world football, the financial outlay required to land him would represent a significant gamble for any Italian club. For now, his suitors on the peninsula may be admiring from a distance rather than preparing concrete offers.