Chelsea weigh Xhaka move as Alonso influence grows

Chelsea are exploring the possibility of signing Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, according to ESPN sources, but this is still a transfer rumour rather than a confirmed move. Sunderland reportedly want to keep their captain, which could make negotiations difficult.

The reported interest is tied to incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who previously worked with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen. ESPN says Alonso sees the midfielder as a senior presence who could add authority to a Chelsea squad built largely around younger players.

The financial side may be just as important as the sporting fit. Xhaka is under contract until 2028, joined Sunderland for about €20 million, and turns 34 in September, while Chelsea are said to be cautious about paying a large fee for an older player.

The report also says Chelsea rejected Como’s offer of £22 million plus add-ons for Trevoh Chalobah, with the club valuing the defender at £35 million. For now, both situations remain source-based reports awaiting official confirmation.