Chelsea has reportedly completed the eye-catching signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica for 20.75 million pounds, with his arrival the most expensive outlay by a British club in the January transfer window so far.
The Serb, who will be in line to make his second debut for Chelsea in Sunday's meeting with Manchester United, has signed a contract until 2019 and rejoins the London club, who sit third in the Premier League table and just two points from the leaders Arsenal.
According to The Guardian, Matic has developed rapidly at Benfica as a key member of Jorge Jesus's side and, having been linked heavily with a return to London last summer, pushed for the deal this month.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had indicated to Chelsea's board that Matic should be prioritised as part of the continuing reinvention of his side, saying that he is pleased at Matic's upcoming return as he has become a fantastic all-round midfielder.
The report mentioned that Matic's fee would largely be offset by the sale of Kevin De Bruyne to Wolfsburg for 18 million pounds, representing a profit on the Belgian of around 11 million pounds.
Matic, capped nine times, will compete with Mikel John Obi, Frank Lampard - who has recovered from a hamstring injury and is contention to feature against United -and Ramires for a starting place in central midfield, the report added.