Sunderland have made clear that Granit Xhaka is not for sale – but the Swiss midfielder is open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, who have entered talks with his representatives.
The 33-year-old, who turns 34 in September, has two years remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light and was instrumental in the Black Cats’ seventh-place finish last season, captaining the side as they qualified for the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense on the final day.
“Chelsea want Granit Xhaka but Sunderland refuse to sell the 33-year-old midfielder.”
For Chelsea, a move for the former Arsenal captain would mark a radical shift in transfer policy. The club have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons and have not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. But co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and other members of the club’s leadership acknowledge adjustments are needed to improve recruitment, particularly after criticism over a perceived lack of leadership and concerns about dressing-room culture – areas where Xhaka received widespread praise at Sunderland.
Xhaka is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, having played 34 league games last season, and is known to be keen on working again with Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024. Personal terms have not yet been agreed.
Sunderland, who have no financial pressure to sell, are determined to keep hold of their influential midfielder. Sources at the club insist they have no intention of letting him go, despite Chelsea’s interest.
A move for a midfielder has long been part of Chelsea’s plans this summer, and comes amid growing expectations that Enzo Fernández could join Real Madrid. Chelsea have not received a formal approach for the Argentina international and value him at around £120m, but sources in Spain suggest there is internal support for a move at the Bernabéu, including from president Florentino Pérez and new manager José Mourinho. Defender Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.
Chelsea have also agreed a deal to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, while Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from Como. The England defender, part of the World Cup squad, is valued at £30m plus £5m in add-ons.
Whether Chelsea can prise Xhaka away from Sunderland – and whether Alonso will finally get his reunion – remains to be seen.