Ever since the news emerged that Chelsea were attempting to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, Chelsea fans have grown excited at the prospect of having his leadership in midfield.
That’s why the news of a derisory, measly £8m bid from Chelsea has come as a massive source of frustration to Blues fans and possibly even Xabi Alonso. Xhaka is a key target and is worth far more.
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Sunderland paid £17m for him last summer, and he’s since enjoyed arguably his best season in the Premier League. The Black Cats were never going to sell him for less than half of their initial outlay.
There have been differing reports regarding his price tag. Some say he could cost the best part of £30m, others say he will cost similar to the fee Sunderland paid. Chelsea want a deal between £10m and £15m.
Everything Martin Keown said on Chelsea’s possible Xhaka move
If Chelsea don’t understand just how important Xhaka could be to Alonso’s new era at Stamford Bridge, then take it from Martin Keown. An Arsenal icon, Keown watched Xhaka’s indifferent spell at the Gunners.
Newcastle United FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
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The signing of Xhaka could be the difference between Chelsea returning to the Champions League, or another season lacking leadership and experience and finishing in mid-table mediocrity once again.
Asked about Xhaka potentially joining Chelsea, Keown told TalkSPORT: “Interesting change of approach, isn’t it. They’ve gone from only signing young players to signing Xhaka, who is the wrong side of 30.
“Of course, Xhaka worked with Alonso at Leverkusen, and they went unbeaten for a whole season. He’s like a coach on the pitch for me; he’s been absolutely magnificent since he left Arsenal,” Keown said.
“I watched him play for Switzerland, he was calling the shots – he’s a manager that Alonso needs on the pitch to make that first step, that first year is really important and Chelsea don’t have that leadership.
“They’re rudderless. I think it’s a necessary first step for Chelsea. Alonso has had really good success with him, and he’s proven. At Arsenal, there were maybe a few who weren’t sure [about him],” he continued.
Sunderland v Chelsea - Premier League
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“But what he’s done at Sunderland – when he was injured at Sunderland, they started looking like a Championship team again. Of all the players they bought, he was the best purchase they made.”
There won’t be much resale value, but he’s worth every penny
This is the issue with BlueCo as Chelsea’s owners. Their desire to run the club as a business means that Chelsea will be concerned about a lack of resale value, hence the desire to get Xhaka on the cheap.
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While it is hypothetical, signing Xhaka gets Chelsea back at the top end of the Premier League. He is a better option than anyone who can partner Moises Caicedo, and he improves the entire squad, too.
He raises standards and that, in turn, raises the form of his teammates. Judging by his season in the north east, Xhaka can play a leading role in the rejuvenation of Chelsea if BlueCo see past a lack of resale.
They might have to accept a loss directly on Xhaka, but Xhaka’s ability to improve the squad’s ability and standards will be a driving force in Chelsea returning to the top five. That in itself, pays for Xhaka.
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