Chelsea pursuing experienced midfielder
Chelsea are reportedly in discussions with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka regarding a potential transfer. The Switzerland international, who will turn 34 in September, is under contract with Sunderland until 2028. This move would signify a notable change in Chelsea’s transfer strategy, as the club has typically focused on signing younger players, fielding the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons and not acquiring any player aged 30 or older during that period.
Sources indicate that Xhaka’s camp has been contacted by Stamford Bridge, though club sources have not yet confirmed these talks. Xhaka is understood to be open to reuniting with his former manager, Xabi Alonso, who is now at Chelsea. The two previously worked together at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga in 2024. Personal terms have not yet been agreed upon with Chelsea.
Sunderland’s stance and Xhaka’s impact
Sunderland has stated that Xhaka is not for sale and would not welcome any offers for the midfielder. The club is under no financial pressure to sell key players, having qualified for the Europa League last season at Chelsea’s expense on the final day. Sources within Sunderland have expressed no intention of letting Xhaka leave.
Xhaka played a crucial role in Sunderland’s success last season, helping the Black Cats qualify for European football. He missed only four league games for the Wearside club and earned considerable praise for his leadership as he captained Regis Le Bris’ side to a seventh-place finish. Before his time at Leverkusen, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal, making 297 appearances and scoring 23 goals.
Last summer, Sunderland acquired Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. He was instrumental in helping the club not only remain in the Premier League but also secure a spot in the Europa League. During the previous season, Xhaka made 34 appearances in the league, registering one goal and providing six assists.
Broader transfer activity at Chelsea
Chelsea’s interest in a midfielder has been part of their summer plans, especially amid growing expectations surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s potential move to Real Madrid. While Chelsea has not received a formal approach for the Argentina international and values him at approximately £120m, reports from Spain suggest internal support at Real Madrid for such a move, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.
In other transfer news, Chelsea is also expected to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Palestra, aged 21, arrived in London from Rome to finalise his move and underwent his medical on Friday. He is set to join in a deal valued at £43m and would be Alonso’s first signing as Chelsea manager. Additionally, Chelsea has made an enquiry about signing Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, as Alonso is looking to strengthen the central defence this summer. Several players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo, face uncertain futures at the club.
Members of Chelsea’s leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge the need for adjustments to improve their recruitment strategy. Criticism has sometimes focused on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns regarding dressing-room culture, areas where the former Arsenal captain received widespread acclaim for his contributions at newly-promoted Sunderland last season.
Xhaka is currently with Switzerland at the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.com
