Sunderland reject Chelsea bid for Granit Xhaka

Chelsea continues to search for an experienced midfielder as they enter the new season under new manager Xabi Alonso, and have identified Granit Xhaka as their main target, but the Blues’ first bid for the midfielder has been rejected, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.

Per the reports, Chelsea’s bid of £8 million for the Swiss international has been turned down by the Premier League club, with Alonso keen on rejoining after working with him at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 33-year-old midfielder joined Alonso from Arsenal during his first summer transfer window in charge of the Bundesliga club, where Xhaka played a pivotal role as Leverkusen won the German top-flight title in 2024 without losing a single match in his debut campaign at the club.

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Alonso is keen on getting his man for next season’s Premier League campaign, however, The Black Cats have insisted that the Switzerland international is not for sale at any price and are determined to hold on to the former Arsenal captain.

Further reports have confirmed that Xhaka wants to join Chelsea this summer, with personal terms already finalised.

Still, Sunderland have no interest in allowing their club captain to depart as they prepare for Europa League football next season after finishing seventh in 2025/26.

The London side, however, is determined to sign Xhaka as they look for midfield reinforcements ahead of Enzo Fernandez’s potential departure to Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, journalist Florian Plattenberg has further updated on Sunday that both Sundaland and Chelsea are still in contact, with further talks to find a solution over a potential transfer scheduled for Monday.

It remains to be seen if the West London club can convince Sunderland with an increased bid to secure the signature of the experienced Premier League star, who is keen on a reunion with his former boss.

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