Granit Xhaka has emerged as a genuine summer transfer target for Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso, who takes charge of the Blues from next week, wants to sign the Sunderland midfielder following their success working together at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso knows Xhaka very well. The pair went unbeaten during the 2023-24 season which ended in Leverkusen lifting the club's first ever Bundesliga title. They also won the German Cup and Super Cup.
However, with Xhaka now at Sunderland, bringing the Switzerland international with him to Stamford Bridge will require Chelsea to agree a deal with their Premier League rivals.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea's budget for Granit Xhaka
Xhaka still has two years left on his contract with the Black Cats so the Blues know they're going to have make a reasonable sized offer.
However, Romano has revealed BlueCo aren't planning on paying over the odds, especially due to the midfielder's age.
“Chelsea’s expectation is to pay less [than £26-to-£35m] in order to reach an agreement with Xhaka. Not because the player is not worth that money but because of [his] age," he said on his YouTube channel.
“Granit Xhaka is not that young anymore and so this is why Chelsea [are taking] this position. So now it’s on the club-to-club [talks] because on [the] player side he’s ready to accept any contract condition, it’s not a problem.”
Xhaka turns 34-years-old in September.
Low risk, potentially high reward
While the name 'Granit Xhaka' isn't synonymous with a world-class Galactico-type signing, he could still be a major addition.
Not only does Alonso have a great record working with him, but the former Arsenal midfielder is one of Europe's most experienced players.
He would bring exceptional leadership qualities, too. Something the side have desperatly lacked in recent seasons.
And although he was quite petulant in his younger days, Xhaka has worked on his disciples; something else the Blues need to improve.
Even though the Sunderland captain wouldn't be a long term acquisition, he would be brought in to steady the ship for one or two seasons, and if Alonso feels he's the man to help him acheive his goals, supporters should fully back the clubs' decision to try and sign him.
During his first campaign at Sunderland, Xhaka, who also has 149 senior international caps to his name, was been involved in seven goals in 36 matches in all competitions.
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