Newcastle United FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg - Source: Getty
Newcastle United FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg - Source: Getty
Pundit Alan Shearer has hit out at Chelsea for their 'ridiculous' attempt to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka this summer. The Blues are looking to strengthen their squad after a disappointing 2025-26 season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League.
Shearer spoke to Betfair about the situation with Xhaka, pointing out that the Blues made a bizarre attempt to sign him for £8 million. He stated that the midfielder had been one of the best in the league, and the bid from Stamford Bridge was an embarrassment, seeing as he cost more than double that last summer.
“Sunderland bought Granit Xhaka for £17.5m. He was one of the best players in this Premier League last season, not only at Sunderland, but in the Premier League. And Chelsea think they can come in and offer less than half of what they bought him for and think that's acceptable? I mean, that's bizarre to me.
I understand that he might want to go, but if he wants to go and clearly his agent has done some talking to Chelsea, then I mean it's a pretty embarrassing bid when a year earlier they paid £17.5million and he's been one of the best players in the league. It's embarrassing from Chelsea really. I mean, they're clearly not getting him. I mean, why would you sell a player for less than half when he's been one of the best players? I mean, it's ridiculous", he said (via Football.London).
Granit Xhaka is said to be keen on a move back to London, where he would reunite with former manager Xabi Alonso. The Switzerland international enjoyed a terrific debut season with Sunderland, helping them to finish in seventh place and secure Europa League football for the 2026-27 season.
The prospect of a reunion with Alonso has appealed to Xhaka, who has made it clear that he wishes to join the Blues this summer. They remain in negotiations with Sunderland over a fee for the midfielder, who turns 34 later this year.
Chelsea in direct talks for new left-back: Reports
Chelsea have commenced club-to-club talks with Rayo Vallecano over a move for left-back Pep Chavarria, as per reports. The Blues are looking to back new manager Xabi Alonso to turn their fortunes around following a disappointing 2025-26 season.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Premier League side are in direct talks with Rayo Vallecano to iron out the details of a possible transfer. The defender is keen on the move and the opportunity to play for the Blues this summer.
Chavarria is being targeted as a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who left the club for Real Madrid earlier in the window. The 28-year-old played a key role for Rayo Vallecano in their run to the final of the UEFA Conference League in the 2025-26 season.