Granit Xhaka bid expected as Chelsea weigh improved offer and squad values compared | OneFootball

Chelsea are expected to make a second bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in the coming days after an initial £8m offer was rejected. According to Sunderland Echo, the club reiterated the Switzerland midfielder is not for sale.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be leading the pursuit following their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka is said to be keen to reunite with his former coach ahead of the new season.

Chelsea are expected to return with around £10m-£12.5m plus add-ons, which would still be below the £17.5m Sunderland paid to bring Xhaka back to the Premier League after his title and cup wins in Germany. For now, he remains a Sunderland player.

Sunderland are pushing to strengthen as they prepare for a first Europa League campaign, secured after a seventh-place finish last season. Xhaka played a major part in that run.

According to Transfermarkt, current squad values place Manchester City at €1.39bn, Arsenal €1.31bn, Chelsea €1.288bn and Liverpool €979.50m. Tottenham are listed at €884.50m, Manchester United €812.35m, with Sunderland at €391.18m.

Source: Sunderland Echo