How Sunderland and Chelsea stack up on squad value amid Granit Xhaka pursuit | OneFootball

Chelsea are expected to return with a second bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in the coming days, keeping the midfielder’s future firmly in the spotlight.

According to Sunderland Echo, new manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be driving the move after working with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, and the Switzerland international is said to be keen on a reunion before the new Premier League season.

As it stands, Xhaka remains a Sunderland player. An initial offer worth £8m was rejected as the club reiterated he is not for sale. Chelsea are expected to come back with £10m-£12.5m plus add-ons, still short of the £17.5m Sunderland paid after he became a Bundesliga champion and German Cup winner with Leverkusen.

The saga comes as Sunderland pursue additions and prepare for a first ever Europa League campaign following an impressive seventh-place finish last season, a run in which Xhaka was integral.

Transfermarkt lists Manchester City at €1.39bn and Arsenal at €1.31bn for squad value. Chelsea are at €1.288bn, with Sunderland at €391.18m. The figures provide the backdrop if a move to Stamford Bridge materialises.

Source: Sunderland Echo