Chelsea move is too soon for John Stones, claims Arsenal legend Martin Keown, as he advises youngster to 'work on his game'

• Everton defender John Stones is the subject of some high-profile transfer interest from Premier League champions Chelsea
• The Blues have already seen two formal bids rejected for Stones
• Former Everton and Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that Stones should stay put for now to aid his development

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes it is too soon for John Stones to make a move to Chelsea.  

The Blues have already seen two bids in excess of £20million rejected for Stones this summer and Keown feels that the highly-rated youngster's development might be better served staying on Merseyside for now. 

In an interview with 888sport.com ahead of the Community Shield on Sunday, Keown said, 'I think it's very early days. He's only really had one season in the Premier League and he hasn't yet become a man.'

+6

Everton's highly-rated young centre-back John Stones is a summer transfer target for Chelsea 

+6

Stones, 21, has already played his way into the full England set-up and is tipped for a bright future 

+6

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Stones' development would be best served staying at Everton 

He added, 'I feel he needs to stay at Everton because there are things he needs to work on in his game. I'd like to see him more commanding from crosses and set pieces.'

Keown's caveats, of course, are informed by personal experience. He spent time himself as a Toffees centre-back between 1989 and 1993 before joining Arsenal and setting off on the most successful part of his career.

Keown lifted three Premier League titles while playing for the Gunners, including the famed 2003-04 'Invincibles' campaign which saw them win the league unbeaten. 

Stones signed for Everton from Barnsley in January 2013 on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The precocious defender, still only 21, has since gone on to make 54 appearances for Everton and played his way into the full-England set-up. 

With Chelsea's long-serving captain and centre-back John Terry now approaching his twilight years, it is widely thought that Jose Mourinho views Stones as his natural successor.   

"John Terry hails John Stones exceptional and brave defender"

 

+6

Chelsea have seen two bids in excess of £20million rejected for Stones this summer by Everton  

Keown thinks that a move to Chelsea at this stage would be too soon for Stones' career 

+6

Chelsea captain John Terry is now entering his twilight years and Stones could be a long-term replacement