Real Madrid join Arsenal in race for Brugge starlet Stankovic as Inter watch closely | OneFootball

Aleksandar Stankovic’s rapid rise at Club Brugge is continuing to attract attention across Europe, with Real Madrid now joining a growing list of suitors monitoring the Serbian midfielder’s progress.

Strong performances in Belgium have already put Stankovic on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, while interest has also emerged from Germany and the Netherlands.

According to reports from Spanish and Belgian sources, via FCInter1908, Real Madrid are the latest heavyweight to enter the race and would be prepared to make a significant financial investment to secure the youngster.

L’AQUILA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Aleksandar Stankovic of Serbia U18 and Enoch Owusu of Italy U18 (They both play in FC Internazionale) looks on after the International Friendly Match between Italy U18 and Serbia U18 at Stadio Gran Sasso d’Italia on September 21, 2022 in L’Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

However, any move for Stankovic is complicated by Inter, who continue to hold a crucial contractual advantage. The midfielder joined Club Brugge last summer in a deal worth €9.5 million, but Inter inserted a buy-back clause that allows them to retain control over his future.

Inter hold all the cards as Stankovic attracts interest from abroad

That clause would allow Inter to re-sign Stankovic for €23 million in 2026, rising to €25 million in 2027. As highlighted by Voetbalnieuws, this opens up a strategic dilemma: Inter could choose to activate the clause themselves before selling him on at a higher price to an interested giant such as Real Madrid.

For now, Inter are observing developments closely, aware that Stankovic’s value is rising with each passing month. While Brugge would welcome major interest, any deal will ultimately depend on Inter’s intentions, and whether they decide to bring the midfielder back to Serie A or use their clause as leverage in a future bidding war.

OSAKA, JAPAN – JULY 27: Aleksandar Stankovic of FC Internazionale in action during the pre-season friendly match between FC Internazionale and Al-Nassr at Yanmar Stadium Nagai on July 27, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

With Europe’s elite circling, Stankovic’s trajectory looks set to become one of the most closely watched stories of the coming transfer windows.