Inter Milan Signals Intent to Re-Sign Stankovic, Disrupting Premier League Plans
In a significant development for the summer transfer window, Inter Milan chairman Giuseppe Marotta has strongly indicated the club's intention to activate the buy-back clause for midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic. This move could deal a major setback to English Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been closely monitoring the 20-year-old's progress.
Stankovic's Rise and Transfer Speculation
Aleksandar Stankovic, son of Inter Milan legend Dejan Stankovic, has been making waves in European football during his debut season with Club Brugge. After a €10 million (£8.7 million) transfer from Inter last July, the central midfielder has appeared in 39 matches across all competitions, contributing seven goals and four assists. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with reports from Belgian newspaper HLN suggesting that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund have been in regular contact with both Club Brugge and Roc Nation, the agency representing Stankovic.
The two Premier League clubs reportedly view Stankovic as a highly promising prospect for future squad development. However, Inter Milan holds a crucial advantage: a buy-back clause inserted in the original deal, allowing them to reacquire the Serbia international for €23 million (£20 million) during the first two weeks of June.
Marotta's Comments and Family Insights
In a recent statement, Inter chief Marotta praised Stankovic, noting his football heritage and current form. "He is from a fine football family, he's a son of the club and he is doing very well," Marotta said. "We have the option to buy him back and we didn't put that in the deal for no reason." While he refrained from confirming specific plans, Marotta acknowledged Stankovic's success in the Belgian league and Champions League, describing it as a "wonderful experience."
Dejan Stankovic, the player's father and a treble-winning Inter star from 2010, commented on his son's transformation this season. "I think it's right that we talk about him. And I've already said, at his age he's already a better player than I was," he stated. He emphasized the importance of consistency and praised Aleksandar's decisions to leave home and work hard, predicting that if he maintains his current pace, he will be playing at the top level soon.
Stankovic's Personal Ambitions and Contract Details
The young midfielder himself has expressed a deep connection to Inter Milan, often describing how he "dreams" of returning to the San Siro one day. "People often say that I was born in an Inter shirt," Stankovic explained. "I've always said that I imagined playing at the San Siro as a kid and that remains a dream that I'm pursuing." His current contract with Club Brugge extends until June 2029, providing stability but also setting the stage for potential high-profile moves.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the situation remains fluid. Inter Milan's potential exercise of the buy-back clause could quickly alter the landscape, leaving Arsenal and Chelsea to reconsider their transfer strategies. With Stankovic's star on the rise and multiple clubs vying for his signature, this story is poised to be a focal point of offseason football discussions.
