Chelsea turn to Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after failed Granit Xhaka bid | OneFootball

Chelsea have switched focus after abandoning a move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, targeting Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck instead.

Henderson, 36, is expected to leave Brentford on a free this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea lead the race as new head coach Xabi Alonso seeks experience and leadership for a young squad, with other Premier League clubs still in the mix.

Alonso had initially identified Xhaka, but Sunderland rejected a £8 million offer. After further talks with the club, Xhaka chose to stay and captain their first European campaign in over 50 years.

Head coach Régis Le Bris later confirmed the pursuit was finished after the 4-2 loss to Liverpool in Nashville, stressing the captain’s commitment and influence.

During Switzerland’s run to the World Cup quarter finals, Xhaka said Sunderland felt like home from the start, that family comes first and that he is ready to make history with the club.

Chelsea have also opened talks with Brighton for Welbeck, who shone on loan at Sunderland in 2010-11 and has been a regular across six years on the south coast. Brighton are not expected to block a sale if a suitable fee is agreed, and Welbeck’s arrival would push former Sunderland loanee Marc Guiu down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, leaving his future at the club increasingly uncertain.

Source: Sunderland Echo