Chelsea are expected to return with an improved offer for Granit Xhaka after seeing an initial bid rejected
Chelsea are expected to return with an improved offer for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as Xabi Alonso continues to push for a deal, The Echo understands.
The London club have already seen an initial offer of around £8million rejected by Sunderland, who have made clear that Xhaka is not for sale and that they do not want to entertain offers for one of their most important players. It is understood Chelsea are now set to come back with another bid, if they have not already done so, likely to be in the region of £10million to £12.5million plus add-ons.
Xhaka is believed to be keen on the move, with Alonso eager to work with the experienced midfielder. The Chelsea head coach is understood to be driving the interest, though the club’s hierarchy are reluctant to pay over the odds for a player who is now 33. Sunderland’s position, however, has not changed. The Black Cats only signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a total package worth around £17.5million and view him as a central figure in Régis Le Bris’ side.
The Switzerland international was handed the captaincy following his arrival and quickly became one of Sunderland’s most influential players, both on and off the pitch. His experience, leadership and quality in midfield are viewed as hugely important by the club as they prepare for another Premier League campaign.
That context is why Sunderland are determined not to be forced into a sale, particularly for a fee that would represent a significant loss on the package they agreed with Leverkusen. Chelsea are expected to test that stance again, but any deal would require a major shift in the numbers. For now, Sunderland remain firm: Xhaka is not for sale.
Sunderland qualified for Europe at the end of last season at Chelsea’s expense, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation. The Black Cats’ outstanding Premier League campaign saw them secure a Europa League place, while Chelsea missed out having suffered defeat to the North East club twice, making the London club’s move for Sunderland’s captain all the more notable.
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