Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Granit Xhaka’s representatives as Xabi Alonso looks to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder ahead of the new Premier League season.
Chelsea have reportedly taken the first steps towards a surprise move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, opening discussions with the midfielder’s representatives over a potential switch to Stamford Bridge.
The experienced Switzerland international has emerged as one of Xabi Alonso’s targets as the new manager begins reshaping his squad.
A move would reunite Xhaka with Alonso after the pair enjoyed tremendous success together at Bayer Leverkusen. Their partnership helped deliver a historic Bundesliga title, and the Chelsea boss is believed to value the leadership, experience and composure the midfielder could bring to his young dressing room.
🚨🔵 The agreement between Chelsea and Granit Xhaka on personal terms is guaranteed.
Xhaka is driving the move personally as he wants #CFC, wants to reunite with Xabi Alonso and wants to live in London.
Deal depends on the clubs.
🎥 https://t.co/i1adjykerw pic.twitter.com/tyeK5vL63H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2026
According to reports, Chelsea have already made contact with Xhaka’s camp, with the 33-year-old understood to be open to the idea of working under Alonso once again. While no agreement has been reached on personal terms, the prospect of another reunion with his former coach is said to be an attractive one for the Swiss captain.
Xhaka enjoyed another impressive campaign last season with Sunderland, making 34 Premier League appearances as he led the Black Cats to a remarkable seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Sunderland have no intention of letting their captain leave. The midfielder remains under contract until 2028, and club officials have publicly maintained that he is not for sale. Having missed just four league matches throughout the season, Xhaka has become central to Régis Le Bris’ project on Wearside.
Chelsea’s interest also comes amid uncertainty surrounding their midfield. Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the Spanish giants remain keen admirers of the Argentine international. Should Fernandez depart, Alonso is expected to prioritise adding an experienced leader to balance his youthful squad.
The Blues have already been active in the transfer market after reportedly agreeing a deal worth around £47 million for Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra. Alonso is expected to oversee further changes as Chelsea look to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish and build a squad capable of challenging once again.
Several first-team players could still leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes as Chelsea continue trimming their squad. While convincing Sunderland to part with Xhaka will not be easy, the club’s decision to open talks underlines Alonso’s desire to blend emerging talent with proven winners as he begins a new era in west London.
