Chelsea in talks to sign Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka
Sunderland Experienced midfielder Granit says Xhaka is not for sale after emergence Chelsea Talks have begun with the player’s camp regarding a potential move.
The 33-year-old Switzerland international, who has a contract until 2028, played a key role in helping the Black Cats qualify for Europe last season.
It is understood his representatives have been in contact at Stamford Bridge, but sources within the club have yet to confirm this.
However, it is known that he is open to reuniting with former coach Xabi Alonso, who won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, at Chelsea.
However, personal terms were not agreed with Chelsea.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League on the final day of last season at Chelsea’s expense and are known to have no financial pressure to sell key players. Sources at the club say they have no intention of letting Xhaka go.
The former Arsenal player, who played with Switzerland in the World Cup, missed just four league games for the Wearside club and won plenty of plaudits for guiding Regis Le Bris’ side to seventh place.
Any successful move for Chelsea would lead to a radical change in transfer policy; He will transfer a player who has had the youngest team in the Premier League for the last two seasons and will be 34 in September. During this period, they did not select players aged 30 or over.
Members of the club’s leadership, including joint controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge adjustments need to be made to improve their recruitment.
Some of the criticism centered on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns about locker room culture; It’s something the former Arsenal captain received widespread praise for helping build newly promoted Sunderland last season.
A transfer for a midfielder has long been part of Chelsea’s plans this summer and comes as expectations grow that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.
Chelsea have not received a formal offer for the Argentina international, valuing him at around £120 million. However, sources in Spain claim that Real Madrid has internal support for the transfer, including club president Florentino Perez and new coach Jose Mourinho.
While Chelsea are also set to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, the futures of some players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, remain uncertain.
Defender Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.
