Chelsea 'agree personal terms' with surprise transfer target for Xabi Alonso

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The Blues aren't wasting any time in this summer's transfer window. 20:07, Sat, Jun 27, 2026 Updated: 20:08, Sat, Jun 27, 2026 Xabi Alonso is looking to build his Chelsea squad (Image: Getty)Chelsea are reportedly set to sign Sunderland ace Granit Xhaka as the Blues plot a route back into the Champions League next season.

Having started the season strongly, Chelsea’s campaign fell off a cliff when Enzo Maresca left at the start of 2026, and even though the two-time European champions reached the FA Cup final, they finished the season in ninth.Chelsea had entered the final day of the season with a chance to secure a European spot at least, but a defeat to Sunderland saw them slip out of the continental positions altogether. Few could’ve predicted the rollercoaster ride Sunderland went on last season, with Xhaka one of the key contributors.However, it doesn’t look as if he will get the chance to feature for Sunderland in Europe, given the Swiss midfielder is reportedly Chelsea-bound.

Chelsea boast one of the youngest squads in the division - something Xhaka helped nurture during his time with Leverkusen.Xabi Alonso and Granit Xhaka worked together at Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty)Speaking in 2023, he remarked: "Bayer 04 signed me to stabilise this young team. But everyone must be clear that you have to work hard to be successful.”Meanwhile, Chelsea’s new boss had this to say about Xhaka, who will turn 34 in September, while he was Leverkusen manager: "Granit is a real fighter, he showed the big heart he has.