Chelsea to raid Premier League rival for transfer as Xabi Alonso reunion set
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Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, with the midfielder said to have agreed personal terms over a move to Stamford Bridge according to reports in GermanyChelsea is reportedly eager to sign Granit XhakaGranit Xhaka has reportedly struck a full agreement with Chelsea over a summer transfer, potentially setting the stage for a reunion with Xabi Alonso. According to reports emerging from Germany, the west London club are believed to have settled personal terms with the midfielder.Sky Sport Germany and Swiss outlet Blick have reported that the midfielder has verbally committed to a switch to Stamford Bridge.
However, Football London understands that no contact has taken place between Chelsea and Sunderland, while Sky Sports News reports that Sunderland have no intention of entertaining offers for their captain. Alonso, who was heavily linked with Liverpool before joining the Blues, has also reportedly had a plan to sign Dusan Vlahovic approved.The midfielder is believed to have been specifically requested by Alonso, following the pair's successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen between 2023 and 2025.
Xhaka made 34 top-flight appearances during their first season back in the top division, playing a key role in helping the newly-promoted outfit secure an impressive seventh-place finish.Named captain last season, he continues to be integral to the club's ambitions and Sunderland have neither the intention nor necessity to entertain a transfer. This season, he has been virtually an ever-present fixture, appearing in 32 Premier League fixtures throughout an impressive 2025/26 campaign.Xabi Alonso is getting down to business as Chelsea head coach(Image: Getty Images)Considering his impact and the quality of football he continues to deliver, it appears extremely improbable that Sunderland would entertain his departure after merely 12 months.Xhaka, for his part, regards Alonso with considerable respect, having established himself as a pivotal player under his management during their shared spell in the Bundesliga."He is not a coach that is looking out for the names or status of players, in terms of who is older or younger, or who has played more games," Xhaka previously said."During the week, he is thinking about who deserves to play at the weekend because they are training well.