Chelsea’s pursuit of Aleksander Stankovic faces uncertainty after the highly rated midfielder openly admitted that his “dream move” would be to join Inter Milan. The 20-year-old, who has been monitored by Chelsea for several months, made the admission in comments reported by Italian outlet Calciomercato — a development that could complicate the Premier League side’s efforts to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
Stankovic, currently regarded as one of Europe’s most technically gifted young midfielders, has seen his stock rise sharply over the last year following standout performances domestically and internationally. His ability to dictate tempo, press aggressively and operate in multiple midfield roles has attracted interest across the continent, with Chelsea among the clubs exploring a potential move.
However, his latest remarks may force a reassessment in west London. “Inter Milan has always been my dream,” Stankovic said, according to Calciomercato. “It is a club I have followed since I was a child, and wearing that shirt one day would be something special.”
For CHELSEA, who have made long-term squad building a key component of their recruitment strategy under their current ownership model focused on securing elite young talent, Stankovic represents the profile they typically target: young, high-ceiling, tactically flexible and not yet at peak market price. But the player’s public declaration raises questions about both feasibility and motivation.
Will Chelsea continue their chase?
Sources close to the club have previously indicated that Chelsea were conducting background assessments on Stankovic and had been impressed by his progression. Yet enthusiasm alone does not guarantee a deal, and the Blues are believed to remain cautious about entering prolonged negotiations for players who may already have a clear preference for another destination.
That said, Chelsea have not been deterred by player preferences in the past. The club has successfully persuaded several targets who initially leaned toward alternative moves, leveraging project clarity, financial strength and the promise of Premier League exposure.
The key consideration now will be whether Stankovic views Chelsea as a viable long-term environment or simply a stepping stone — something the club has been increasingly wary of.
There is also the question of competition. Inter Milan’s interest places Chelsea in a difficult position: going head-to-head with the player’s dream club is rarely favourable. Inter, who continue to prioritise youth integration, would likely offer a tailored development pathway and immediate emotional appeal.
Still, Chelsea’s project may offer advantages Stankovic cannot easily dismiss, including significant investment in player development infrastructure, opportunities for minutes in a rotation-heavy system, and the prestige of the Premier League. Whether that is enough to sway him remains uncertain.
At this stage, CHELSEA are expected to keep Stankovic on their watchlist rather than launch an aggressive bid, preferring to monitor the situation while exploring alternative midfield targets ahead of the summer window. Should Inter delay formalising their interest or face financial constraints, the Blues may re-enter the race with greater confidence.
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