Sunderland remain determined to keep hold of Xhaka following his immensely impactful debut season. Xhaka arrived from Leverkusen last summer for a fee that could reach £17.5m. He was quickly made captain and guided Sunderland to a remarkable seventh-place finish.
This achievement secured European football for Sunderland for the first time in 53 years. Ironically, Sunderland sealed this feat with a final-day victory over Chelsea, pushing the London side down to 10th place in the table. Xhaka possesses extensive Premier League experience from his seven years at Arsenal. Consequently, Chelsea feel Xhaka can provide essential leadership in their dressing room without needing time to adapt, but Sunderland absolutely refuse to authorise any sale.