Xabi Alonso wants Granit Xhaka to join him at Chelsea in time for the start of the new 2026-27 season.
The new Chelsea manager has been tasked with overhauling the Blues' squad and knows he must inject some leadership into the ranks.
For that reason, Alonso's push for Xhaka is not surprising.
The former Real Madrid midfielder and manager coached the Swiss midfielder during his successful time in charge at Bayer Leverkusen.
The pair won three major trophies together, including going unbeaten on their way to the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
And former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes a deal for Xhaka would be a great decision.
Joe Cole on Chelsea potentially signing Granit Xhaka
Speaking to Paddy Power (via Metro), Cole said: "Going after Xhaka is a good sign for Chelsea fans because it shows that the handcuffs of only signing young players and developing them are now off.
"It seems they’re making good positive strides. He seems like the right character for the dressing room.
"He did a great job at Sunderland last year. He was brilliant at Bayer Leverkusen. He was even a leader at Arsenal.
"I like the fact that they’re backing Xabi Alonso. I like everything about it."
Xhaka has two years left on his contract at Sunderland with Chelsea willing to pay up to £35 million to sign him.
Playing time concerns
Despite the former Arsenal man playing in all but two of Sunderland's Premier League games last season, Cole has expressed doubts over him being a nailed on starter every week at Stamford Bridge.
He added: "He played nearly every game for Leverkusen and Sunderland. Will he play every game at Chelsea?
"Will he still be a great leader if he isn’t on the pitch every game? I think he will. I certainly hope he will.
"He wouldn’t be starting ahead of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who for me are two of the best central midfielders in world football.
"We’ll see if he ends up signing, but I like the fact that if he does, it is for sure a Xabi Alonso signing."
The Switzerland international may not be viewed as Enzo Fernandez's long term replacement, but should Real Madrid make a move for the Argentine, expect any deal for Xhaka to progress even quicker, especially because the midfielder also wants the transfer to happen.
Xhaka's first season with the Black Cats saw him directly contribute to seven goals in 36 matches in all competitions.
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