Arsenal now have "great interest" in signing 20yo Serbian star - report
Arsenal are showing great interest in signing Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, according to Italian outlet L’Interista.
The Gunners reinforced their defensive midfield department last summer with the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
Zubimendi has been a revelation for the Gunners in the Premier League, while Norgaard has provided good backup in other competitions.
Despite this, the club continue to be linked with midfielders, and L’Interista claim they have a ‘great interest’ in landing Stankovic.
Mikel Arteta’s side appreciate his profile and potential and believe they would benefit from having his presence in their midfield.
However, a deal could be difficult to pull off. The Gunners may have to make a significant investment due to Inter Milan’s buy-back clause.
The Nerazzurri are already planning to re-sign him next summer by activating a £20 million buy-back clause agreed with Club Brugge.
Hence, Arsenal may have to spend much more to persuade Inter to sanction his summer sale.
Arsenal may view Stankovic as Norgaard’s successor
Norgaard was a surprise signing alongside Zubimendi last summer. The former Brentford captain has been primarily used outside of the Premier League this term.
The 31-year-old has talked about ending his career at Brondby. He could move on a free transfer when his contract expires in June 2027 if Arsenal don’t trigger a one-year extension clause.
Arsenal may want a successor in place in advance. Stankovic would be a good long-term replacement, given his progress made since leaving the Nerazzurri last summer.
He has impressed in his debut season at Club Brugge. He has a passing accuracy of 88 percent in the Jupiler Pro League and has won 61 percent of his duels contested.
Stankovic has also averaged 4.1 recoveries, 2.8 clearances and 1.3 tackles per outing. His stats are pretty identical in the Champions League, with slightly lower passing accuracy (86 percent).
His position is one of his main strengths. He has lost possession on only 7.3 occasions per European game, which is much less than Zubimendi in the ongoing campaign (9.2).
Inter appear primed to re-sign the youngster from Club Brugge for £20m. Arsenal may have to pay £30m or even more to persuade the Nerazzurri into a quick sale for a profit.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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