Football Insider exclusive as Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka warms up for a game, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso watches from the other side of a split image.
Xhaka has emerged as a clear transfer target for Chelsea.Imago
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Source: Sunderland 'doing everything they can' to stop Granit Xhaka joining Chelsea

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Sunderland are doing "everything they can" to keep midfielder Granit Xhaka amid interest from Chelsea, sources have told Football Insider.

The Black Cats have rejected the Blues' opening offer of £8million, and have warned them that their club captain is not for sale at any price.

The 33-year-old is keen on the idea of a move to Stamford Bridge to reunite with Xabi Alonso, who is still pushing for the deal to be done.

Sources have indicated that Sunderland have accepted the fact that they will have to sanction a sale if the player becomes unhappy.

The Switzerland international is currently away with his country at the World Cup, where he played every single minute of their group stage campaign.

He started 32 Premier League games for Sunderland last season, and was a key part of their qualification for the Europa League.

Xabi Alonso desperate for Granit Xhaka reunion

Xhaka is no stranger to Alonso, with the pair having previously worked together to great effect during their time at Bayer Leverkusen. 

The veteran midfielder revitalised his career during his two-year stint with the German side, and became a crucial part of Alonso's plans.

Die Werkself won both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal back in 2023-24, the former coming without losing a single game.

Xhaka failed to start for Alonso in just two league games throughout that season, and the Spanish boss is now looking to hand him a similar role in West London.

He has been a hugely important figure for Regis Le Bris since he moved to Wearside for £17m last summer, but the Frenchman is now facing a very real prospect of losing his star.

Chelsea remain far below Sunderland's valuation at the moment, but there is growing concern at the Stadium of Light over how long they can continue to hold out.

Football Insider exclusive as Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka warms up for a game, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso watches from the other side of a split image.
Sources: Crystal Palace set Maxence Lacroix price tag as Chelsea eye ‘top target’

Price tag set for Chelsea's 'top target'

Football Insider revealed last week that Crystal Palace are set to demand at least £50m for centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer, amid interest from Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has emerged as the West Londoners' "top target" in the early stages of the summer window, and they want to sign him as soon as possible.

Palace are not keen on the idea of losing the Frenchman, but are prepared to consider a sale if the price is right.

Lacroix is currently away at the World Cup with France, and started their final group game against Norway.

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