Saliba was forced off during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain after a long-standing back problem became unbearable, and there are concerns he could be sidelined for up to five months.
That uncertainty has led Arsenal to explore the market for defensive cover, with Stones emerging as an option that would not require a transfer fee given his free-agent status following the expiry of his Manchester City contract at the end of June, reports The Sun.
Mikel Arteta knows the 32-year-old well from his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at City, where Stones won multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup during a decade at the club. Stones made history at this summer's World Cup by becoming the first-ever unattached player to represent England at the tournament, having left City without a club to join up with the squad.
After a shaky opening game against Croatia, having barely featured for Manchester City during the 2025-26 season, Stones grew into the tournament, starting both the quarter-final against Norway, where he shackled close friend Erling Haaland, and the semi-final against Argentina. He and his representatives are now expected to weigh up his options, with interest said to be coming from clubs both in England and abroad.
Having started just four games for City since November, regular football is likely to be the decisive factor in determining Stones' next destination, though the prospect of reuniting with Arteta at a club chasing major honours could prove an attractive option, particularly if Arsenal move to accelerate their interest following further clarity on Saliba's condition.
Arsenal have also been credited with interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin as they weigh up their options at centre-back, with a move for Konsa reportedly valued at around £60m should Saliba's injury turn out to require surgery.