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It might only be February, but like every other club at the elite level, Chelsea are already planning for the summer window, and Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic is a part of those plans.
Son of Inter Milan legend Dejan Stankovic, the 20-year-old midfielder left the Nerazzurri last summer to move to Belgium and join Club Brugge. Since then, the Serbia star has blossomed with the Belgian side.
While he never got the opportunity to play for Inter Milan at senior level, Stankovic has sparkled in a Brugge side pushing for the Belgian title. From defensive midfield, he has been involved in 11 goals so far.
Who would you prefer to see at Chelsea?
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Stankovic could well be on the move again this summer, and with Serbia unable to qualify for the World Cup, he will have time on his hands. Arsenal and Chelsea have both held talks to sign Stankovic soon.
Aleksandar Stankovic names ‘dream’ move ahead of £20m race
Speaking to Sky Italy over the weekend, as per CalcioMercato, Stankovic has been speaking about his future and life after Brugge. He has named Inter Milan as his “dream” move, with Inter firmly in his heart.
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“Inter is a unique love, either you have it inside you or you don’t. Inter fans can understand. Coming back is a dream in the drawer, I don’t know when it will come true,” Stankovic admitted, amid the speculation.
Hardly a surprise, given the affiliation his father had with Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri boast a £20m clause in Stankovic’s Brugge contract, and some reports claim Inter have already agreed to trigger that deal.
Why Chelsea are likely to consider signing a midfielder
In January, Chelsea were considering a midfielder. Douglas Luiz would eventually choose to return to Aston Villa, while some reports even suggested Liverpool star Curtis Jones as a potential Chelsea signing.
Good player, but we’re taking Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton over him 🤷♂️
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Ultimately, it is the one area of the pitch where Chelsea lack considerable depth. Moises Caicedo is first choice, and Andrey Santos has sparkled next to him since Liam Rosenior reunited with the Brazilian star.
Enzo Fernandez has been used higher up the pitch, while Reece James has had to contend with fitness and injury issues. Beyond that, Chelsea lack midfield options, and that is why Stankovic would be ideal.
But with a return to Inter Milan more than likely, Chelsea will be forced to look elsewhere and admit defeat in pursuit of Stankovic. No doubt, the Blues will be linked plenty of options ahead of the summer.
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