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Sunderland are doing everything they can to keep midfielder Granit Xhaka amid interest from Chelsea. The Black Cats have rejected the Blues' opening offer of £8million, and have warned them that their club captain is not for sale at any price.
What's at Stake?
Sunderland's determination to keep Xhaka is clear, with the Switzerland international a key part of their plans. He started 32 Premier League games for Sunderland last season, and was a key part of their qualification for the Europa League.
Xhaka's Past with Alonso
Xhaka is no stranger to Xabi Alonso, with the pair having previously worked together to great effect during their time at Bayer Leverkusen. The veteran midfielder revitalised his career during his two-year stint with the German side, and became a key part of Alonso's plans.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| League Standing | 7th in Premier League, 54 pts, 14W-12D-12L from 38 games |
| Recent Form | 4W-1D-0L (WWWWD, most recent first) |
| Last Result | Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea (2026-05-24) |
The Current Situation
Chelsea remain far below Sunderland's valuation at the moment, but there is growing concern at the Stadium of Light over how long they can continue to hold out. Sunderland are currently on a 4-game winning run, and will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into the new season.
What Comes Next?
The future of Granit Xhaka remains uncertain, with the midfielder's desire to reunite with Xabi Alonso at Chelsea clear. However, Sunderland are determined to keep their star player, and will do everything they can to persuade him to stay at the Stadium of Light.
