Chelsea's relentless interest in Xabi Alonso's former star continues, despite the Sunderland star affirming his commitment to the Black Cats.
Their pursuit of Xhaka has already taken many twists this summer, with their opening £8m offer rejected and expectations that they would return with an improved bid.
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka
The Blues are understood to have tested the waters with Sunderland for the experienced Switzerland international, but Regis Le Bris' side quickly made their stance clear — Xhaka is not up for sale.
Some reports suggested Chelsea were poised to make a new bid of around £10 million for one of Alonso's key men at Bayer Leverkusen, and according to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, Sunderland set a minimum £25m asking price for Xhaka.
Xhaka is seen as too important a figure to let go, especially given his leadership role and influence since arriving back in England.
News then emerged on Friday that the 33-year-old was set to stay at Sunderland following fresh talks, with Chelsea dealt a major blow over one of Alonso's top summer targets.
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The Black Cats won't let their World Cup star go easily.
However, the Blues are still believed to be keen regardless.
Chelsea 'remain interested' in Granit Xhaka as they hope for Xabi Alonso pull
Indeed, according to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, Chelsea 'remain interested' and 'active' on the experienced midfielder's trail, convinced that he is still attracted by the prospect of working with Alonso again.
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Sunderland sources, though, are still under the belief that Xhaka won't be going anywhere and will lead them in the Europa League next season after fresh talks.
They've also told Chelsea yet again that Xhaka is not for sale, with the ex-Arsenal star's fresh stance on remaining now giving Chelsea a mountain to climb if they do decide to keep up their chase.
Chelsea's Granit Xhaka dilemma as Sunderland refuse to budge
Xhaka’s importance to Sunderland is paramount.
Since arriving, he has become a key figure in the dressing room, bringing control, experience and leadership to the midfield. His influence on and off the pitch has made him one of the most trusted players in the squad, and that is reflected in the club’s firm stance.
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On one side, there is the financial temptation of a significant fee for a player in the latter stages of his career. On the other, there is the footballing value Xhaka brings, which Alonso clearly believes is not easily replaced.
For Chelsea, the dilemma is slightly different.
The club are weighing up whether to bend their usual recruitment rules to satisfy a manager they have recently brought in.
Xhaka does not fit the typical profile of a Chelsea signing, especially given his age, but his experience and Premier League know-how are qualities that are difficult to find in the market.
Granit-Xhaka
From Sunderland’s perspective, holding firm makes complete sense. Xhaka is not just a player, he is a leader who sets standards in midfield, and replacing that impact would cost both money and time.
For Chelsea, paying that fee feels risky, but ignoring the manager’s wishes could be just as costly in the long run.
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