Granit Xhaka inches closer to a Xabi Alonso reunion at Chelsea after agreeing on a move to Stamford Bridge, Yankee Scores reports.
The 33-year-old Swiss international, who has a contract until 2028, helped the Black Cats qualify for Europe last season.
Agreement in Principle
It is understood that his representatives have been approached by Stamford Bridge – although sources within the club have yet to confirm that.
However, he is understood to be open to a reunion with former boss Xabi Alonso at Chelsea having won the Bundesliga together with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
But personal terms have yet to be agreed with Chelsea, per Skysports.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense on the final day of last season and are understood to have no financial pressure to sell key players. Sources close to the club say they don’t want to sell Xhaka.
The ex-Arsenal man – who is with Switzerland at the World Cup – missed just four league games for the Wearside club, winning plenty of plaudits as he captained Regis Le Bris’ side to a seventh-place finish.
The Strict Under-30 Policy Break
Any successful move for Chelsea would be a radical shift in transfer policy, signing a player who will be 34 in September having fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons. They haven’t taken a player over 30 in that draft.
The club’s leaders, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, know they need to make changes to improve their recruitment.
Some of the criticism has been aimed at a perceived lack of leadership and concerns over dressing-room culture, something the former Arsenal captain won widespread plaudits for helping to build at newly-promoted Sunderland last season.
The £120M Fernandez Evaluation
For some time now, Chelsea have been linked with a move for a midfielder this summer and the move comes as expectations grow that Enzo Fernandez could link up with Real Madrid.
Chelsea have not made a formal approach for the Argentina international and value him at around £120million. But sources in Spain say there is internal backing for the move within Real Madrid, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.
Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra is also expected to be signed by Chelsea, while a host of players including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo have uncertain futures.
Marc Cucurella has already moved to Real Madrid.
