Chelsea’s pursuit of Granit Xhaka has ignited a real internal conflict, as the club’s owners, BlueCo, and new manager Xabi Alonso disagree on the prospects of signing the midfielder from Sunderland. The initial offer of £8 million was dismissed, with Sunderland reportedly unwilling to part with a player Alonso views as essential to his project.
The latest developments surrounding Chelsea’s transfer activities have caused a stir in the Premier League. Following reports from Football365, the Blues are set on bringing Xhaka back to London, but uncertainty looms over the 33-year-old’s valuation, creating friction within the club’s hierarchy.
Chelsea’s Initial Offer and Sunderland’s Stance
After Chelsea’s interest in Xhaka was first reported on 27 June, the club made an attempt to secure the midfielder with an €30 million bid. However, Sunderland rejected Chelsea’s latest approach. Having signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for £17.5 million in 2025, the club is hesitant to sell him, despite the player’s apparent desire to reunite with Alonso.
Xhaka’s Preferences and Alonso’s Influence
Granit Xhaka has expressed a strong inclination to join Chelsea, hoping to work under Alonso, who was his manager during their successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. Together, they won the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. This background has strengthened Alonso’s resolve to bring Xhaka into his squad, yet the player remains focused on his current commitments with Switzerland at the World Cup.
Internal Disagreement at Chelsea
Reports indicate that there is growing friction between Xabi Alonso and BlueCo regarding the potential transfer of Xhaka. Alonso considers the midfielder crucial, but the owners are reluctant to spend £25 million on a player over 30. This disagreement poses a challenge for Chelsea as they weigh their options while trying to accommodate their new manager’s requirements without straying from their financial principles.
The SportiveNews view
This situation hinges largely on Xhaka’s willingness to push for a move and Chelsea’s strategy concerning older players. The club’s owners are cautious about investing heavily in a player in his 30s, which may lead to a protracted negotiation phase. Ultimately, how Chelsea reconcile these differing priorities will determine the resolution of this tug-of-war.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of Chelsea’s offer for Granit Xhaka?
Chelsea’s initial offer of £8 million for Granit Xhaka has been rejected by Sunderland. The club remain uninterested in letting him go, despite Xhaka’s strong desire to join Chelsea and work with manager Xabi Alonso.
Why are Chelsea’s owners hesitant to spend on Xhaka?
The owners of Chelsea, BlueCo, are reportedly reluctant to invest £25 million in Xhaka, who is over 30 years old. This has led to internal disagreements with Alonso, who views the player as essential for his plans.
Source: Based on reporting from Football365. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for Premier League readers.
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