Chelsea are preparing to test Sunderland‘s resolve once again after seeing their opening offer for Granit Xhaka knocked back.
The Blues made an initial bid worth around £8 million for the experienced midfielder earlier this week, but Sunderland immediately rejected the proposal.
According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League side viewed Chelsea’s first offer as well below their valuation and even ‘insulting’, with figures inside the Stadium of Light reportedly considering the bid insulting given Xhaka’s importance to the side.
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That response has not discouraged Chelsea from continuing their pursuit.
How much Chelsea are now planning to bid for Granit Xhaka
According to CaughtOffside, the London club are now ready to return with an improved offer as they attempt to strike an agreement with Sunderland.
Chelsea are understood to value Xhaka’s leadership and experience as they continue adding proven quality to a relatively youthful squad, and new manager Xabi Alonso is personally ‘determined’ to add the 33-year-old to his ranks.
“Yes, Chelsea are absolutely going to bid again for Xhaka,” a source allegedly told CaughtOffside journalist Mark Brus.
“Xabi Alonso is determined to work with him again. Sunderland have turned down £8m, but there’ll be a new offer of around £10m.”
The Switzerland international enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the heart of Sunderland’s midfield last season.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Mark Brus is an experienced transfer journalist and editor of CaughtOffside, a site that regularly breaks exclusives and works with respected reporters including Fabrizio Romano, Christian Falk and Alfredo Pedullà. However, CaughtOffside’s exclusives are best treated as credible emerging reports rather than confirmed developments until supported by multiple top-tier sources. |
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Finances |
A £10 million move for Xhaka would be relatively modest compared to Chelsea’s reported £45m-plus investment in Marco Palestra and their pursuit of Pep Chavarría. The transfer fee itself is unlikely to present a problem. The bigger consideration would be wages, although Chelsea’s financial position means the overall package remains highly achievable. The better question is whether Sunderland would entertain the offer. |
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Insight |
Granit Xhaka began his senior career at Basel before starring for Borussia Mönchengladbach and then Arsenal, where he won two FA Cups and captained the side. Under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, he became the midfield cornerstone of their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title triumph, showcasing his leadership, passing range and tactical intelligence — leaving little wonder he wants a reunion in west London. |
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Impact |
Xhaka would bring leadership, control and big-game experience to Chelsea’s midfield. His ability to dictate possession, organise teammates and break up attacks would complement the club’s younger players, while his previous success under Xabi Alonso means he already understands the tactical demands and positional discipline expected within the manager’s system. |
His arrival transformed the balance of the side, providing composure in possession, defensive organisation and valuable leadership during a memorable campaign that saw Sunderland qualify for the Europa League.
What Granit Xhaka would bring to Chelsea
Operating as the deepest midfielder, Xhaka dictated the tempo of matches with his range of passing while also protecting Sunderland’s defence through intelligent positioning and relentless work rate.
His influence stretches far beyond statistics, with his experience helping many of Sunderland’s younger players develop throughout the season.
Having already enjoyed successful spells with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Sunderland, Xhaka arrived with over a decade of experience at the highest level.
He has also earned nearly 150 caps for Switzerland, captaining his country on numerous occasions and becoming one of the nation’s most decorated international footballers.
Those qualities are exactly why Chelsea remain keen despite Sunderland’s firm stance.
The Blues have invested heavily in young talent over recent transfer windows, but there is a need to add experienced players capable of guiding that group in difficult moments.
Xhaka fits that profile perfectly.
Whether Sunderland soften their position remains to be seen, with their stance being he’s not for sale, but Chelsea’s willingness to improve their offer suggests they are determined to keep negotiations alive.
Xhaka has reportedly verbally agreed to join Chelsea if they can strike a deal with the Black Cats.
However, that is by a mile their biggest obstacle.
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