Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, although the Premier League club insists the Switzerland international is not for sale.
The 33-year-old, who is under contract until 2028, has emerged as a target for Chelsea after playing a key role in Sunderland’s successful campaign that secured Europa League qualification last season.
Xhaka’s representatives are understood to have been contacted by Chelsea, although sources at Sunderland are yet to confirm any formal approach from Stamford Bridge.
The former Arsenal captain is believed to be open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea after the pair won the Bundesliga title together at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
However, personal terms have not been agreed.
Sunderland remain determined to keep one of their key players.
The club, which finished above Chelsea to qualify for the Europa League on the final day of last season, is under no financial pressure to sell and has made it clear it has no intention of letting Xhaka leave.
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Xhaka, currently with Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, missed only four league matches last season and captained Regis Le Bris’ side to a seventh-place finish, earning praise for his leadership and consistency.
A move would represent a significant shift in Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy. The London club has fielded the youngest squad in the Premier League over the past two seasons and has not selected a player aged 30 or above during that period.
Chelsea’s hierarchy, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, is understood to believe adjustments are needed to improve recruitment, with leadership and dressing-room experience identified as areas for improvement.
The club is also looking to strengthen its midfield amid growing speculation that Argentina international Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.
Chelsea have not received a formal offer for Fernandez and reportedly value him at around £120 million. However, reports in Spain suggest there is internal support at Real Madrid for a move, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea are also expected to complete the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, while the futures of Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo remain uncertain.
(BBC)
