Arteta Plots Midfield Reinforcement with 'Menace' Stankovic
As the New Year approaches, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finds his side in an enviable position at the Premier League's summit. Despite significant and shrewd summer investment, particularly in midfield with the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, Arteta is already looking to bolster his squad further in the January window.
The Spaniard has identified a familiar target to add power and athleticism to his engine room: Club Brugge's versatile 20-year-old Aleksandar Stankovic.
Who is Arsenal's 'Declan Rice 2.0' Target?
The son of former Inter Milan and Serbia legend Dejan Stankovic, the young talent has built a growing reputation in Belgium. Capable of playing both at centre-half and as a defensive midfielder, his profile has drawn direct comparisons to Arsenal's own Declan Rice.
A past UEFA technical report from a European Under-17 Championship highlighted Stankovic's exceptional set-piece delivery, stating it would "be a menace to any opponent". The report also praised his "blend of finesse and fight in midfield", qualities that saw him wear the captain's armband.
This description mirrors Rice's unique ability to dominate defensively while also creating chances, making such players a rare commodity. According to reports from Italy, Arsenal could secure his signature for a fee as low as £30 million.
Fierce Competition for the Serbian Starlet
However, the Gunners face stiff competition for Stankovic's services. The Gazzetta dello Sport claims that enquiries have arrived from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Interest also extends to Germany, with both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen making inquiries. A further complication is a buy-back clause held by Inter Milan, who could bring him back to Italy only to sell him on at a higher profit.
Arteta has openly hinted at January activity, citing injury challenges. "The window is there. We're Arsenal and we have to be looking at it," he told the club's official website. "Our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen."
With the manager keen to 'kick on rather than hold on', a move for a player of Stankovic's calibre and potential fits the club's ambitious strategy, setting the stage for a intriguing transfer battle as the window opens.
