Chelsea have already made their first signing of the summer and another could soon follow.
The Blues have recently completed the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
The young right back has become Xabi Alonso's first signing since taking charge, but the Spainard needs more.
Midfield is a high priority area of the squad and could become even more significant if Enzo Fernandez leaves before the close of the window.
The Argentine remains a top target for Real Madrid with Los Blancos working to sell at least one of their own players before entering into talks with Chelsea.
Consequently, looking to inject some much needed experience and leadership, Alonso wants to be reunited with Granit Xhaka following their successful spell working together at Bayer Leverkusen which saw the lift three major trophies, including the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
Granit Xhaka doing everything to join Chelsea
Xhaka being wanted by Chelsea has divided opinions. There are concerns he wouldn't play as often as others, but irrespective of that, it seems the player is desperate for the move.
Speaking to Time2Play, Fabrizio Romano said: "A year ago, Granit Xhaka was desperate to move to Italy. He was Igli Tare’s top target for AC Milan’s 2025/2026 project, but the deal collapsed, and Xhaka ended up at Sunderland.
"Today, Chelsea is getting dead serious about him. Xhaka wants back into London and is pushing hard to reunite with Xabi Alonso."
Xhaka has two years left on his contract at Sunderland.
Chelsea preparing to submit improved offer
Provingthey're serious about the 33-year-old, Chelsea have already made the Black Cats a formal offer, believed to be £8 million.
Unsurprisingly, due to the midfielder's influence, Sunderland rejected the Blues' opening offer and are holding out for more.
And according to Romano, it won't be long until an improved offer is made.
"Chelsea has already submitted an initial proposal and will improve it very soon," he added.
It remains to be seen exactly how much it will take for Sunderland to accept, but knowing how much Alonso wants the deal, expect the club to extract maximum value.
For Sunderland, Xhaka, who played 34 times in the Premier League last season, would also be a huge loss, so they'll need to enter the market for a replacement themselves.
The midfielder is currently away with Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup and preparing for a Last 32 knockout tie against Algeria on Friday. (edited)Â
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