Sunderland have not only rejected Chelsea's opening offer for Granit Xhaka but warned their Premier League rivals the midfielder is not for sale 'at any valuation'. The Black Cats made their stance clear from the start of the transfer saga, yet Chelsea submitted an official bid worth £8m.
Xabi Alonso's push for Xhaka
Xabi Alonso is pushing Chelsea to sign former Arsenal captain Xhaka, who he managed at German club Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka is believed to be keen to move to Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting he has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea. However, Sunderland instantly rejected the approach and regarded it as a 'lack of respect'.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea felt the proposal was 'fair' given Xhaka turns 34 in September. But Sunderland told Chelsea in no uncertain terms that 'no further offers would be entertained', hoping that the Blues will now 'respect' their position.
Xhaka's impact at Sunderland
Xhaka joined Sunderland last summer ahead of their return to the Premier League. He played a key role in the Black Cats not only avoiding relegation but finishing in the top-half of the table, two points ahead of Chelsea, who finished 10th. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney was among those to label Xhaka one of the signings of the season.
While Xhaka would be far from a glamourous signing for Chelsea, he would provide a level of experience and leadership that has been badly missed at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons. The Blues failed to qualify for any European competition last term.
Alonso's arrival at Chelsea
Enzo Maresca started the season as Chelsea's manager but both he and his replacement Liam Rosenior were sacked, with Alonso now set to take over from the start of July. Xhaka captained Arsenal during his seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium before joining Alonso at Leverkusen in 2023.
The midfielder, currently at the World Cup with Switzerland, helped Alonso's Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title before moving back to the Premier League last season. Despite Sunderland's firm stance, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will test their resolve with an improved offer.
