Granit Xhaka has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, but, when quizzed on a potential transfer, the Sunderland star kept his cards close to his chest.
10:17, 03 Jul 2026
Granit Xhaka of Switzerland celebrates after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Switzerland and Algeria at BC Place (Vancouver Stadium) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on July 02, 2026
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Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer(Image: Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka has provided an update on his future ahead of a potential transfer to Chelsea. The Sunderland midfielder, currently away with Switzerland at the World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Xabi Alonso looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
football.london understands that the Blues are preparing to submit a new-and-improved offer for Xhaka after an opening bid worth £8m was rejected by the Black Cats. Higher-ups at the Stadium of Light, who want to keep the Swiss, were said to be furious with the initial proposal.
But it's understood that Chelsea have not been deterred, and they're lining up another offer. Xhaka is thought to be keen on joining the Blues and reuniting with Alonso, with whom he won the Bundesliga unbeaten at Bayer Leverkusen a couple of years ago.
In an interview with Blick on Thursday night, the 33-year-old was quizzed on his future. Following Switzerland's win over Algeria in the round of 32, Xhaka said: "That's not my job. I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup."
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On making his 150th cap for his country, he said: "The team cheered me on beforehand, and I told them they would make the day special if we advanced. 150 games for the country where I was born and raised. Being able to wear the red jersey makes you proud. It's all the more wonderful that we played well and progressed."
On the clash against Algeria, Xhaka said: ""At the beginning, we were almost over-motivated; we needed that goal to help us. At halftime, we had to address things that weren't good – too many long balls, we couldn't hold onto the ball, and we weren't playing the game that makes us strong.
"The second half was then more controlled. We're all old enough to be honest with each other. Even though we were leading 1-0, our game wasn't perfect. We addressed it, changed things, and consequently played a good second half."
Granit Xhaka
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Chelsea are planning a second bid to sign Granit Xhaka(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar)
Switzerland will face either Colombia or Ghana in the last-16 on Tuesday night. In the meantime, Alonso will be preparing for his first official day at Cobham training ground.
The new Chelsea manager will begin pre-season preparations on Thursday, July 9, and he's determined to 'build the right culture' and 'win trophies'. Speaking to club media in May, Alonso said: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
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"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."
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