A primary reason for Inter’s refusal to sell lies in the tactical vision of Chivu. The Romanian tactician has been utilizing the pre-season to integrate Stankovic into a specific role within his five-man midfield. Specifically, the youngster is being groomed as the primary deputy to Hakan Calhanoglu. Finding a reliable alternative for the Turkish international has been a priority for the coaching staff, as previous experiments involving Piotr Zielinski, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and even Nicolo Barella in the deep-lying playmaker role have yielded mixed results. Stankovic offers a natural fit for the position, combining technical security with the tactical discipline Chivu demands.
The trust placed in Stankovic is described as unconditional by those close to the training ground. By keeping him in the squad, Chivu secures a vital tactical insurance policy for a long campaign across multiple competitions. However, this decision creates a ripple effect in the market. Inter remain heavily interested in Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, a player Chivu admires immensely for his energy and versatility. The English midfielder is viewed as an ideal addition, but the central areas are currently overcrowded.