Top Clubs Chase Stankovic as United Step Up Interest

Manchester United has stepped up its interest in Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic as Arsenal and Chelsea join the chase for the 20-year-old Serbian. The player, who moved to Belgium last summer, has caught the eye of several top clubs after a strong season that includes goals in the Champions League.

Background

Aleksandar Stankovic joined Club Brugge from Inter Milan in July 2025 for around €9.5 million. He came through Inter's youth system but never played a senior game there. His father, Dejan Stankovic, is a former midfielder who played for Inter and Serbia.

At Brugge, Stankovic has made 36 appearances this season. He has scored seven goals and provided four assists. He plays mainly as a defensive midfielder but can also fill in at center back. His stats show he is good on the ball and strong in defense. He has helped Brugge in the Belgian league and Europe.

Inter kept a buyback option when they sold him. That clause starts at €22 million this summer and goes up to €26 million next year. They also have a 50% sell-on clause until 2027. Brugge paid close to €10 million upfront.

Stankovic's market value has grown. It was €11 million late last year and now sits at €15 million. His form in the Jupiler Pro League and Champions League has drawn scouts from across Europe.

Key Details

Manchester United is moving fast to beat rivals. They see Stankovic as a midfield option with all-around skills. Arsenal and Chelsea have sent scouts too. Tottenham Hotspur is watching closely. Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have shown interest. Atalanta is another name in the mix.

Inter's Advantage

Inter Milan wants to bring him back. They can trigger the buyback for €23 million this summer. Club bosses in Milan like his progress. Stankovic has spoken about his time there.

"I dream of returning to Inter. Every Nerazzurri fan can understand that. I have a special relationship with Chivu," Stankovic told Sky Sport.

Atletico's Diego Simeone knows Dejan Stankovic from their playing days. That connection might help. But Inter holds the key clause.

Chelsea needs midfield depth. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have played a lot. Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo have injury problems. Stankovic could share the load. The Blues did not buy in January but plan summer moves. They want a center back, midfielder and attacker.

Arsenal looks for midfield strength. Their interest matches reports from Belgium. Manchester United faces pressure from these Premier League teams.

Stankovic is open to moves. He knows about the English interest but has ties to Inter. No bids have come yet. The summer window is the main target.

What This Means

A move to England would boost Stankovic's career. Premier League clubs offer big stages and money. United could use his energy in midfield. Arsenal might see him as a long-term piece. Chelsea wants rotation options.

Inter's buyback gives them first shot. If they act, others must pay more or wait. Brugge wants a good fee after their investment. The sell-on clause means Inter gets half of any future sale.

For Stankovic, choices matter. Staying at Brugge builds his game. Returning to Inter means Serie A. England brings new challenges. Atletico offers La Liga under Simeone.

Clubs must balance budgets. United, Arsenal and Chelsea spent big before. The €23 million mark is affordable but fees could rise with competition.

Scouts keep watching Brugge games. Stankovic's Champions League showings stand out. His versatility helps any team. Defensive stats and goals make him rare for his age.

No deadline is set. Talks could heat up soon. Agents and clubs talk quietly. Stankovic focuses on Brugge for now. His next step shapes his path.

United's push shows they act early. Rivals force quick moves. The transfer race tests who blinks first. Brugge holds strong cards with his form.