Granit Xhaka is pushing for a shock move to Chelsea, with personal terms reportedly already guaranteed. The 33-year-old midfielder has emerged as a surprise target for the Blues, who are looking to add experience to a squad that struggled last season.
Why Xhaka Wants the Move
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Xhaka wants to be reunited with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. The duo enjoyed great success together at Bayer Leverkusen, where they won the Bundesliga title, dethroning Bayern Munich. Additionally, Xhaka is keen to relocate his young family to London, having spent seven years at Arsenal, where he also served as club captain.
Chelsea's New Strategy
BlueCo appears ready to admit past mistakes in recruitment, which have hampered managers like Enzo Maresca, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino. The club's strategy had focused on signing Europe and South America's best young talent, but that approach left them trailing behind Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Upon appointing Xabi Alonso as permanent manager, the Spaniard was given the title of manager rather than head coach, insisting on heavy involvement in player recruitment.
Complementing Chelsea's young players with seasoned Premier League performers is now a priority. A deal for Crystal Palace's French centre-half Maxence Lacroix is progressing well, and Xhaka would add vast experience to a midfield that could lose Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid.
Sunderland's Stance
Xhaka joined Sunderland last summer in a £13 million deal and has two years left on his contract. He captained the Black Cats during their first season back in the top flight in eight years, helping secure unlikely European qualification after beating Chelsea on the final day. After that match, Xhaka told Sunderland fans 'it was only the start,' but he now appears determined to join Chelsea. Sunderland will not part with him without a fight and hope to at least make their money back, if not a significant profit.
Xhaka is currently playing for Switzerland at the World Cup, but his future remains uncertain as Chelsea push to secure his signature.
