Chelsea in talks with Granit Xhaka as Alonso eyes reunion

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka over a possible summer move to Stamford Bridge. The 33-year-old is said to be open to reuniting with Xabi Alonso after their title-winning spell together at Bayer Leverkusen; Xhaka played 34 times last season as Sunderland’s captain, helping them to a seventh-place finish and remains under contract until 2028.

Sunderland have taken a firm stance that their captain is not for sale. The newly promoted club, who qualified for the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense and are in a strong financial position, say they have no intention of sanctioning a departure for a player who missed just four league games and has been credited with building a professional culture under Regis Le Bris.

Chelsea’s interest comes amid a wider midfield shake-up.

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