Chelsea have opened transfer discussions with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports from BBC on June 27, 2026.
The 33-year-old Switzerland international is under contract with the Black Cats until 2028 after joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for €20 million.
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New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is leading the push to reunite with Xhaka, who captained Sunderland to a seventh-place Premier League finish and Europa League qualification last season.
Sunderland have responded by stating that the veteran midfielder is currently not for sale and that the club faces no financial pressure to part with key players.
This potential acquisition marks a significant shift for Chelsea, who have not selected a player aged 30 or older in the last two domestic campaigns.
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The move comes amid internal expectations that midfielder Enzo Fernández could depart for Real Madrid in a deal valued near £120 million.
Xhaka publicly committed to Sunderland just five weeks ago during a stadium address after their final match of the season against Chelsea.
"I can promise you, from my side as a captain of this football club, this is just the beginning and we will want more," he said.
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The midfielder is currently participating in the World Cup with Switzerland, who have advanced to the round-of-32 stage.
