Joey Barton: 'Arsenal should sign John Stones'

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton believes that Everton defender John Stones should be a transfer target of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

It is widely accepted that the defence, and in particular the centre-back positions, are the weakest area of the current Gunners squad.

With that in mind, Barton believes that England international Stones would be the perfect fit for the North Londoners.

"If you look at Arsenal and the style they play, surely they are looking at John Stones for Everton. He fits their model," he told BBC Sport.

"He's an exceptional player. He's going to be the hub of Everton's defence. Reality says that you're going to pay a premium for him with the longer you wait because he's going to keep improving and improving with game time."

Stones joined Everton from League One side Barnsley in January 2013.