Arsenal and Chelsea have both moved early in the race for Aleksandar Stankovic. Official contact has already been made with Club Brugge as the two London clubs try to get ahead of the competition.
Inter Milan hold a €23m buyback clause that runs from June one to June 15. The situation could change once the summer transfer window opens, and any future deal would become far more complicated once Inter steps in.
Stankovic’s father, Dejan Stankovic, is a club legend. Due to Dejan’s status, Inter has an emotional connection. According to HLN, Arsenal and Chelsea are trying to avoid a scenario where Inter reclaims him and forces everyone else to negotiate from a weaker position later.
Why Stankovic is the tactical solution for London’s Elite
Modern recruitment targets midfielders who cover ground and win duels. Players like Carlos Baleba fit that profile perfectly. Stankovic is different because he acts as the rudder.
Others provide the power, but he decides the direction. His game is built on a clear sense of timing. He slows games down when needed and speeds them up with one pass when the moment is right.
One of the most impressive parts of Stankovic’s profile is his shooting from range. The Serbian midfielder has scored ten goals from just 5.90 expected goals. He strikes the ball cleanly, and goalkeepers rarely get a second chance.
Stankovic’s vision is just as impressive. He plays through balls with the weight of a natural number 10 despite operating deep. His passes suit a possession-based team because they break down low blocks and switch play instantly.
Stankovic is better equipped than some might expect. The 20-year-old is rarely bullied in the air. He uses his body well and understands space. That profile gives him a realistic pathway to adapting to the Premier League.
How could Stankovic fit in?
Club Brugge dominate most games in the Belgian league, and that environment inflates certain stats. Stankovic has time on the ball that he will not always get in England.
Defensively, he is more about anticipation. He reads passing lanes well but does not press with constant intensity. Teams expecting a ball-winner will not find one here.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta values technical security and control. Stankovic would offer something different from the more athletic midfield options already in the squad, like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. He would raise the level of creativity, which is something Arsenal need.
Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, often struggle with losing control when matches open up. Stankovic brings calm decision-making in those moments. His ability to play as an advanced number eight adds to his value.
The Serbian could become an 8/10 hybrid with room to grow because he links midfield and attack without losing balance.
The Gunners and the Blues are acting fast because they are aware of the father-and-son connection. The London giants have to make a smart move before the door starts to close. If Inter activate the clause, the move becomes a family story.
