Inter centre-back Yann Bisseck has welcomed the arrival of John Stones, insisting the former Manchester City defender will raise the standard of the reigning Serie A champions' entire back line.

Stones joined Inter this summer as a free agent, signing a two-year deal following his departure from Manchester City, where he had played since arriving from Everton in 2016.

Decorated defender lands in Milan

The 32-year-old made 295 appearances during his nine-year spell in Manchester, winning 17 major trophies. Those honours include six Premier League titles — the last coming in 2023-24 — and City's maiden Champions League crown a season earlier.

Inter, meanwhile, completed a domestic double last season by lifting both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, though their European campaign ended in disappointment with a Champions League knockout-stage play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt.

Competition embraced, not feared

Stones joins an already star-studded defensive unit featuring Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji and Benjamin Pavard, but Bisseck insists the extra competition for places in Cristian Chivu's squad is a positive rather than a problem.

"It's right that it's this way. We're Inter, not just any club," Bisseck told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's normal for a squad like ours to be full of good players, and internal competition stops you relaxing.

"When a high-profile player walks into the dressing room, it's always a positive. Stones will force the other defenders to raise their level, and as a result the team's performance improves.

"I don't see the problem. There are lots of matches, lots of competitions, there'll be room for everyone. I'm not worried at all."

Bisseck committed despite Bayern interest

Bisseck, 25, has himself committed his long-term future to the Nerazzurri, recently signing a new five-year contract despite reported interest from Bayern Munich in his native Germany. The defender stressed his focus remains firmly on continuing his development in Milan.

"The extension is good news, but it doesn't change how I feel about playing for this team," Bisseck added. "I chose Inter because I liked the club and the city, and I never thought about changing shirts. I've never lacked the club's trust."

With his pedigree as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation, Stones' arrival signals Inter's intent to push on both domestically and in Europe — and if Bisseck is to be believed, the whole squad is ready to rise to the challenge alongside him.