Granit Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland after the club rejected an £8m bid from Chelsea, dealing a blow to manager Xabi Alonso's hopes of reuniting with the Switzerland midfielder. Sources at Sunderland told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old captain, whose contract runs until 2028, is not for sale following discussions. Xhaka was attracted by the prospect of playing under Alonso again after winning the Bundesliga with him at Bayer Leverkusen, but Chelsea's initial offer was turned down last week and the Blues have not yet submitted an improved bid. The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Sunderland from Leverkusen last season, helped the Black Cats qualify for Europe for the first time in 53 years, finishing seventh to secure a Conference League place. He made 34 Premier League appearances and is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, where he has played every game in their run to the last 16. Chelsea have not given up hope, with sources at the club maintaining that Xhaka is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but Sunderland's stance appears firm.
Across London, Fulham have entered the race to sign Crysencio Summerville from relegated West Ham. The winger is expected to leave this summer and is also being monitored by Chelsea and Manchester United, with Manchester United's talks for a move already started, according to the Mirror. Summerville, valued at around £50m, impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup with two goals in four games, though he missed a penalty in the shootout loss to Morocco in the last 32. At West Ham last season, he scored seven goals in 10 games after Christmas to lift hopes of avoiding relegation, but doubts remain over his consistency and physicality after missing much of the 2024-25 season with a hamstring injury and a chunk of last season with a calf problem. Fulham need to boost their wide options after losing Harry Wilson, who is poised to join Leeds on a free transfer, and have added Summerville to their shortlist. The club is expected to appoint Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager. West Ham have already raised £85m by selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham and hope to avoid selling captain Jarrod Bowen while building a squad capable of winning promotion.
“Granit Xhaka stays at Sunderland after Chelsea's £8m bid rejected, while Fulham join race for West Ham's Crysencio Summerville.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea will have noted Real Madrid's statement denying any interest in signing Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder was dropped by Chelsea last season after telling the media he would like to live in Madrid.