Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl is attracting interest from Arsenal, it has been reported.
The German giants are considering selling Weigl after the acquisition of Mats Hummels, and his availability has alerted the North London based outfit, it has been claimed by Mirror.
Apart from Arsenal, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Weigl as Thomas Tuchel’s side will let Adrien Rabiot leave, and on the lookout for another midfielder.
Unai Emery has around £45million to spend in the summer transfer window. With such a tight budget to work with, the Spaniard has to be spot on with his transfer decisions.
Why are Borussia Dortmund ready to sell Julian Weigl?
Under the tutelage of Lucien Favre, Dortmund have already made five signings with Hummels, Thorgan Hazard, Nico Schulz, Paco Alcacer and Julian Brandt moving to Westfalenstadion. The club have collectively spent over £100million.
Weigl operated as a centre-back and central defensive midfielder for Dortmund last season, but Hummels’ arrival could impact Weigl’s future.
Dortmund already have Thomas Delaney and Axel Witsel as their preferred central midfielders, so Weigl might have to spend a large part of the season on the bench.
Would Weigl be a smart addition to Arsenal?
Arsenal’s need for a new midfielder is a pretty common knowledge. Aaron Ramsey is set to join Juventus next month, and there will be a void in midfield. Notably, Weigl is valued at £27 million, which would be affordable signing for the Gunners.
The 23-year-old emerged through the ranks of 1860 Munich and earned a move to Dortmund after his impressive performances for the 1860 Munich senior team.
He featured regularly under Thomas Tuchel as the current PSG manager used the midfielder’s composure and ability to pass the ball well.
Weigl, however, struggled to make his presence felt when Peter Bosz and Peter Stoger. Injuries haven’t been kind to Weigl either, and he was further below the pecking order when Favre arrived.
The German made quite a few appearances as a centre-back for Dortmund, and didn’t do a bad job. In that Arsenal team, though, Weigl’s ability to keep the ball ticking and impressive passing range could be pretty useful additions.
The Gunners need a bit of calmness in their midfield, and a player of Weigl’s calibre would offer than that.