Sunderland have made it clear that Granit Xhaka is not for sale after rejecting an £8 million offer from Chelsea for the experienced midfielder.
The Switzerland international, 33, only joined the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen for £17 million last summer and remains under contract until 2028.
Xhaka played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s impressive campaign, helping Regis Le Bris’ side secure a seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.
Although Xhaka is understood to be open to reuniting with former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, personal terms have yet to be agreed, and Sunderland have no intention of entertaining a sale.
The Wearside club are in a strong financial position after qualifying for Europe at Chelsea’s expense on the final day of last season and are under no pressure to cash in on one of their most influential players.
Xhaka, currently with Switzerland at the World Cup, missed just four Premier League matches last season and earned widespread praise for his leadership, both on and off the pitch, after captaining Sunderland throughout their memorable campaign.
For Chelsea, signing Xhaka would represent a significant shift in transfer strategy.
The club has consistently focused on recruiting young talent, fielding the youngest squad in the Premier League over the past two seasons and not selecting a player aged 30 or older during that period.
However, senior figures at Stamford Bridge, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, are believed to recognise the need for greater experience and leadership within the squad.
Xhaka’s influence in Sunderland’s dressing room has only strengthened his reputation as the type of character Chelsea have been lacking.
Chelsea have long planned to strengthen their midfield, particularly with speculation continuing over Enzo Fernandez’s future.
While the Blues have received no formal offer for the Argentina international, they reportedly value him at around £120 million.
Sources in Spain suggest Real Madrid are seriously considering a move, with both club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho believed to support the transfer.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, while several first-team players - including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo - face uncertain futures as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.
