Chelsea transfer target Julian Weigl available for just £25m

According to Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness h/t Express), SL Benfica have decided to put midfielder Julian Weigl, who is on the radars of Chelsea, up for sale for just £25m this summer.

Weigl, 25, came to prominence during his time at Borussia Dortmund, whom he joined in 2015 from 1860 Munich. Under the tutelage of current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, the midfielder flourished at Signal Iduna Park before securing a transfer to Benfica in January last year.

Since ending up with the Eagles, the German international has been a mainstay in the centre of the park and ended the 2020/21 campaign with 43 appearances across all competitions, producing a solitary assist. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Julian Weigl could be sold by SL Benfica this summer (imago images)

However, Benfica have now decided to put him up for sale this summer as they are still paying for his transfer, having agreed on a instalment payment deal with Dortmund. So, the Germans will be owed a sum of £7.7m this season if he stays, which is why the Portuguese giants are keen on moving him on. (h/t Express)

This development is likely to come as good news for Chelsea, who have been linked with a move for Weigl. Indeed, the Blues are said to have identified the German international as a cheaper and cost-effective alternative for primary transfer target Declan Rice, who could end up costing around £85m.

The report goes on to add that Tuchel is a great admirer of Weigl and the player himself has previously spoken about how he relishes working with his compatriot.

Julian Weigl during his time at Borussia Dortmund

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In N’Golo Kante, Chelsea have the best defensive midfielder in the game currently. Jorginho, too, has proven his worth over the course of the last season while young Billy Gilmour is also waiting in the wings.

So, a move for Weigl does come off as a bit puzzling. But one needs to factor in that Kante is 30 and had some injury problems last term while Gilmour is still inexperienced. It now remains to be seen if the Blues do push to sign Weigl now that Benfica have put him up for sale.