Chelsea have seen their efforts to sign Granit Xhaka rebuffed as Sunderland have reaffirmed that he is not for sale
17:25, 03 Jul 2026Updated 17:35, 03 Jul 2026
Grant Xhaka is not for sale as Sunderland have rejected an approach from Chelsea.
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Grant Xhaka is not for sale as Sunderland have rejected an approach from Chelsea.(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Sunderland have issued a hands-off for Granit Xhaka after Chelsea expressed an interest in the Switzerland midfielder. The Black Cats have rebuffed the Blues approaches and blocked a reunion with Xabi Alonso as the former Arsenal captain is not for sale at any price.
The 33-year-old, who was initially attracted by the prospect of returning to the capital, is intent on helping Sunderland in their Europa League campaign following discussions with the North East club, football.london understands. The new Chelsea head coach worked with Xhaka during a successful together at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga but they will have to divert their attention elsewhere to different targets.
Xhaka was said to have been interested in a move to Chelsea, paving the way for a reunion with Alonso, and becoming the former Real Madrid boss's second signing after Marco Palestra arrived from Atalanta. However, the 33-year-old has turned down a Premier League swap with Sunderland taking a hardened stance that their key player wasn't for sale.
Chelsea saw their initial £8million bid rejected for Xhaka and were plotting an improved offer to add experience in the Stamford Bridge engine room. Figures at the Stadium of Light were said to be furious by the offer but Regis Le Bris will now be able to plan with Xhaka in his side for the forthcoming season.
The midfielder recently celebrated his 150th international cap for Switzerland but was keen to side-step the question-mark surrounding his future.
He 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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