Chelsea working on Granit Xhaka deal with manager Xabi Alonso keen on move | OneFootball

According to NY Times, Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who is open to moving to west London. New head coach Xabi Alonso wants to reunite with the midfielder after two seasons together at Bayer Leverkusen.

Sunderland have no intention of selling at present and Xhaka is under contract until 2028. Chelsea are reluctant to pay a large fee for a player who turns 34 in September.

Xhaka joined Sunderland from Leverkusen last summer in a €20 million deal and was immediately made captain. He played a central role as the newly promoted side finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League.

He is currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, who have reached the last-32 stage.

He spent seven seasons at Arsenal from 2016 to 2023 before joining Leverkusen. Under Alonso he helped win the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, and they reached the Europa League final while going unbeaten domestically.

Chelsea are set to sign defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta, while winger Geovanny Quenda and striker Emmanuel Emegha will join in pre-agreed moves. Pursuing Xhaka would break new ground under this ownership.

His exit would be a major blow for Sunderland, whose resurgence has revolved around him. After the final day he told supporters the journey was only beginning.

Sunderland will seek a significant fee, insist he is not for sale and, if he stays, want assurances over his commitment. The squad needs upgrades to handle Europe. For Alonso, starting out with a trusted lieutenant is clearly appealing.

Chelsea’s pursuit underlines his influence last season.

Source: NY Times