Granit Xhaka has rejected a move to Chelsea and will remain at Sunderland after the Black Cats held talks to convince the 33-year-old to stay at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland issued a hands-off warning to their Premier League rivals, reiterating that the Switzerland international is not for sale at any price.
The 33-year-old, who was initially attracted by the prospect of returning to London, is now focused on contributing to Sunderland's Europa League campaign following discussions with the North East club, The Chronicle understands.
Reunion with Alonso Scuppered
New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso previously worked alongside Xhaka during a trophy-laden spell at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. However, he will now need to look elsewhere for reinforcements after Sunderland's firm stance.
Xhaka had been open to a switch to Chelsea, which would have reunited him with Alonso and made him the former Real Madrid manager's second signing after Marco Palestra's arrival from Atalanta. But the 33-year-old ultimately rejected a move to the Premier League.
Sunderland's Uncompromising Position
Sunderland were angered after Chelsea launched an opening bid of £8 million, which was turned down. The Londoners were preparing an improved offer to bolster their midfield at Stamford Bridge, but Sunderland's uncompromising position that their key man was simply not available ended any hope of a deal.
Manager Regis Le Bris can now look ahead to the coming season with Xhaka firmly in his plans as they gear up for a historic campaign in Europe.
Xhaka Focused on World Cup
The midfielder recently marked his 150th international appearance for Switzerland, though he was keen to avoid being drawn on the speculation surrounding his future. He said: "That's not my job. I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup."
Xhaka's return to the North East will be delayed after Switzerland advanced into the last-16 in North America, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scoring as the Europeans comfortably dispatched Algeria.
Captain's Commitment
Question marks were raised after Chelsea's initial interest in Xhaka when the Sunderland star addressed the Stadium of Light after booking their place in the Europa League. The 33-year-old embodied a player set to be the linchpin in a crucial season in the club's history.
He said: "First of all, thank you to the owner, thank you to Flo and thank you to the coach. I want to say thank you because what they did with this team, with this football club, players, staff... everyone in the club is unbelievable. Massive thank you as well to you guys, without your support at home and away this is not possible. I can promise you from my side as captain of the football club, this is just the beginning and we want more."
