Fabrizio Romano has shared a major update on Granit Xhaka’s future, with Chelsea still in hot pursuit of the Sunderland star.
That is despite the fact the Black Cats have insisted their star midfielder isn’t for sale, recently knocking back the Blues’ opening approach.
After making 34 Premier League appearances en-route to Sunderland qualifying for the Europa League, Xhaka has been a key player for Switzerland at the World Cup, with his side qualifying for the round of 32, where they will take on Algeria.
However, behind the scenes, rumours are continuing to swirl surrounding his future at the Stadium of Light, as Xabi Alonso is personally keen on a reunion with the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Chelsea are looking to add more experience to their squad, having received criticism for having an average age of just 23 last season, making their squad the youngest in the Premier League. Xhaka is vastly experienced in the Premier League and Europe, and bringing in a new central midfielder could be particularly important this summer, with Enzo Fernandez attracting interest from Real Madrid. |
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Finances |
The Blues’ opening bid of £8m was knocked back by Regis Le Bris’ side, which is perhaps unsurprising, given that he is one of their most important players. However, it could be unwise to submit a new bid far beyond that figure, considering the Switzerland international turns 34 later this year. |
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Scouting |
The former Arsenal man missed just four Premier League matches last season, during which time he completed the highest number of accurate passes per 90 in the squad (46.9), while an assist tally of six ranked him joint-first with Enzo Le Fee. |
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Impact |
Should Chelsea be able to get a deal over the line, they may choose to move on from fellow midfield target Felix Nmecha, who has been valued at in excess of £86m. A low-cost deal for Xhaka could make a lot more sense, considering Nmecha has no experience in the Premier League, and the Blues may not be able to splash the cash, after missing out on European football entirely. |
Chelsea set for more talks to sign Granit Xhaka
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now poised to hold more talks regarding a deal for the Sunderland star, as they look to tempt their Premier League rivals into a sale.
The initial offer of £8m will need to be increased, but the Swiss maestro, who has been lauded as “sensational” by Roker Report’s Ewan Bowman, is “pushing to join” according to Romano, as he is keen on working with Alonso once again.
How Granit Xhaka compares to Enzo Fernandez
There have been reports Fernandez has already agreed a contract to join Real Madrid, which suggests his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end soon.
Much like the Argentinian, Xhaka also regularly features in a deeper role, but he is far less of a goal threat, scoring just one Premier League goal last season, compared to ten from the Chelsea star.
That said, the 149-cap Switzerland international averaged a duels won % of 60.3% in the Premier League last season, compared to just 44.2% from Fernandez, which suggests he could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.
Chelsea set to sign Arsenal target with deal to be completed after World Cup
He’d be a coup for Xabi Alonso.
