Xabi Alonso is driving Chelsea’s interest in his former player and current Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.
It has been reported that Alonso has told Chelsea to make an offer for Xhaka, which the Blues have done.
Sunderland have resisted the Club World Cup holders’ advances so far, but they could come back with a higher bid. They need to, as one of their other targets for the midfield is definitely not arriving this summer.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
Alex Scott not for sale
Towards the end of May, it was reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth.
According to BBC Sport, Chelsea are just one of several Premier League clubs who are keen on the 22-year-old.
However, the same outlet claims that their London rivals Arsenal have had an enquiry for Scott rejected and been told that he is not for sale.
Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Chelsea are thought to be fans of Scott because of his ability to carry the ball, but it looks like neither they nor Arsenal will be signing him this summer.
It puts more pressure on the club to sign Xhaka, with Alonso clearly keen on adding another midfielder to his squad.
Chelsea running out of midfield options
Chelsea were also interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but he is off to Manchester City, who recently announced the arrival of former Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
Another English midfielder on Chelsea’s radar is Adam Wharton, but he could cost £100m during this transfer window.
At this rate, the best thing for Chelsea to do would be to keep hold of Enzo Fernandez and snap up Xhaka. But there is no guarantee that they will be able to do either.
Fernandez wants out, while Sunderland are playing hardball with Xhaka, though they can argue an £8m bid for their captain was never going to be deemed acceptable. What Chelsea do in the middle of the park this summer is going to be really interesting.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox