Granit Xhaka will seemingly be staying at Sunderland next season, dealing a transfer blow to Chelsea after the Blues held talks over a potential move.
The decision ends weeks of speculation linking the midfielder with a return to London, where Chelsea had been exploring a deal to bring Xhaka back to the Premier League. Sunderland have now revealed their new stance following those discussions, according to sources close to the north-east club.
“Granit Xhaka will stay at Sunderland after Chelsea held talks, according to reports.”
Xhaka, who joined Sunderland from Arsenal in 2023, had been tipped as a target for Chelsea as they looked to bolster their midfield options this summer. However, the Blues have been forced to look elsewhere after Sunderland made clear their determination to keep the 33-year-old.
Chelsea have already been active in the transfer window, announcing the signing of Marco Palestra and setting their sights on left-back Pep Chavarria to replace Marc Cucurella, though Rayo Vallecano appear determined to keep him. The failure to land Xhaka represents a setback for the club's recruitment plans.
For Sunderland, retaining Xhaka is a significant boost as they prepare for the new season. The experienced Switzerland international played a key role in their midfield last campaign and remains a vital part of the squad.
The news comes as Tottenham have been the busiest Premier League club so far this summer, completing their fifth signing in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million on Thursday. Sandro Tonali is also expected to follow soon after a stunning £100 million deal was agreed with Newcastle.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have yet to make a first-team addition but have started talks for West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, valued at around £50 million. Arsenal and Liverpool are set to battle for Bradley Barcola, though Paris Saint-Germain view him as not for sale.
Arsenal have also shown tentative interest in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, valued at £60 million, and Morgan Rogers, who Villa want £130 million for. There is a need for Unai Emery's side to sell players this summer to fund signings.
But for Chelsea, the focus now shifts to other targets after Xhaka slipped through their grasp.