Crossword Genius

Aspirant, pale imitation ultimately a drone? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wannabee

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'aspirant' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for wannabee that I've seen before include "who aspires to be different?" , "Aspirant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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