Chelsea are considering a move for the Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka as the new manager Xabi Alonso tries to strengthen his team with experienced players ahead of the new season.
The Swiss international has emerged as one of the midfield options being assessed by Chelsea, although no formal contact has been made with Sunderland and the Premier League club are not interested in selling the 33-year-old.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for £13m last summer and played a key role in helping the club secure a place in the Europa League following their return to the Premier League.
Chelsea are looking for experience in midfield
Chelsea’s recruitment strategy is understood to include adding experienced Premier League players to a young squad with an average age of 23.8.
Xhaka, who turns 34 in September, fits that profile after spending seven seasons at Arsenal before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
The midfielder worked under Alonso in Germany, where he helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title before completing a move to Sunderland.
Chelsea are said to be mindful of his age and are unlikely to pay a significant transfer fee if negotiations progress.
Sunderland don’t want to sell
Sunderland have no plans to part with one of their key players after an impressive first season in the Premier League.
Xhaka made 34 league appearances during the 2025-26 season, scoring once and providing six assists as Sunderland secured European football.
An important role in Leverkusen’s success was played by the experienced midfielder who made 99 appearances before leaving the Bundesliga.
Before joining the German club, Xhaka made 297 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most experienced midfielders.
He was previously linked with a return to London before leaving Leverkusen, with West Ham among the clubs credited with an interest, but ultimately opted to join Sunderland.
Chelsea’s interest is at an early stage, there are still no talks between the two clubs and Sunderland claim the former Arsenal captain is unavailable for a transfer.
