Chelsea has submitted a surprise €30 million transfer bid for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
The move is driven by incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who is eager to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen player.
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Alonso is set to officially take charge at Stamford Bridge on July 1.
Sky Germany reports that Xhaka has already agreed to personal terms with the London club.
However, Sunderland remains highly reluctant to part with their captain, who is under contract until 2028.
If completed, the deal would make the 33-year-old Switzerland international the second-most expensive player over 32 in football history, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo's €117 million move to Juventus in 2018.
Xhaka Focused on World Cup
Xhaka is currently representing Switzerland at the World Cup in North America. Before the tournament, he downplayed any possibility of leaving Sunderland.
"I'm not even thinking about a transfer," Xhaka said. "I'm really happy to finally have a summer without any speculation about my future."
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The midfielder joined Sunderland last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million.
He helped the newly promoted side finish seventh in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League, recording six assists and leading the team in accurate passes.
Xhaka described Sunderland as "a bit like home," comparing the city to his hometown of Basel. He emphasized that his family's happiness is his priority.
Despite Chelsea's bid, Sunderland management insists the midfielder is not for sale. The club feels no immediate financial pressure to accept the offer.
Chelsea is seeking proven Premier League experience after a disappointing tenth-place finish last season.
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The Blues are also finalizing a move for Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra and are in talks for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
