Granit Xhaka is pushing for a shock move to Chelsea, with personal terms already 'guaranteed', according to reports. 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.
Xhaka's motivation: Alonso reunion and London return
According to Fabrizio Romano, Xhaka wants to be reunited with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. The pair enjoyed 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, where he spent seven years as an Arsenal player, several as club captain.
Chelsea's new strategy under Xabi Alonso
Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, appear ready to admit mistakes in their recruitment strategy, which relied on signing emerging talent from Europe and South America. Managers like Enzo Maresca, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino struggled to keep pace with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool as a result. Upon appointing Xabi Alonso as Liam Rosenior's permanent replacement, the Spaniard was given the title of manager rather than head coach, following his insistence on being heavily involved in player recruitment. Complementing young players with seasoned Premier League performers is a priority. A deal for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is progressing well, while Xhaka would add knowhow to a midfield that could lose Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid.
Sunderland's stance and Xhaka's contract
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 at home on the final day. After that match, Xhaka told Sunderland fans 'it was only the start', but he now appears determined to move. Sunderland will not part with him without a fight and will at least hope to make their money back, if not a significant profit.
