1 day ago
7
PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by Adpathway
Published Jul 4, 2026, 5:20 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast.
Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Chelsea's relentless interest in Xabi Alonso's former star continues, despite the Sunderland star affirming his commitment to the Black Cats.
Their pursuit of Xhaka has already taken many twists this summer, with their opening £8m offer rejected and expectations that they would return with an improved bid.
The Blues are understood to have tested the waters with Sunderland for the experienced Switzerland international, but Regis Le Bris' side quickly made their stance clear — Xhaka is not up for sale.
Some reports suggested Chelsea were poised to make a new bid of around £10 million for one of Alonso's key men at Bayer Leverkusen, and according to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, Sunderland set a minimum £25m asking price for Xhaka.
Xhaka is seen as too important a figure to let go, especially given his leadership role and influence since arriving back in England.
News then emerged on Friday that the 33-year-old was set to stay at Sunderland following fresh talks, with Chelsea dealt a major blow over one of Alonso's top summer targets.
Related
However, the Blues are still believed to be keen regardless.
Chelsea 'remain interested' in Granit Xhaka as they hope for Xabi Alonso pull
Indeed, according to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, Chelsea 'remain interested' and 'active' on the experienced midfielder's trail, convinced that he is still attracted by the prospect of working with Alonso again.
|
Ben Jacobs is regarded as one of football’s more reliable transfer journalists, particularly for Premier League and Middle East-related stories. He is known for detailed reporting, strong industry contacts and measured updates rather than sensational claims. While not infallible, his exclusives are frequently corroborated by other respected reporters as transfer stories develop. |
|
If Chelsea miraculously manage to reignite the Xhaka move, they would almost certainly need to increase their offer dramatically to tempt Sunderland into any negotiations. Reports suggest the Black Cats value Granit Xhaka far above the Blues' rejected £8m bid and even around £25m, making a compromise difficult. Even if Chelsea improve their offer, Sunderland’s reluctance to sell and Xhaka's reaffirmed commitment to the club remain the biggest obstacles. |
|
Xhaka has enjoyed a remarkable career, winning league titles in Switzerland and Germany while captaining club and country. After establishing himself at Borussia Mönchengladbach, he spent seven years at Arsenal before becoming a driving force behind Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga triumph. His leadership has defined every stage. |
|
Xhaka’s departure, albeit very unlikely right now, would leave Sunderland without their most experienced midfield leader. His organisation, passing and composure help control matches, while his mentality raises standards around the squad. Replacing those qualities would be difficult, even if a sizeable transfer fee would allow Sunderland to strengthen multiple areas of the squad. |
Sunderland sources, though, are still under the belief that Xhaka won't be going anywhere and will lead them in the Europa League next season after fresh talks.
They've also told Chelsea yet again that Xhaka is not for sale, with the ex-Arsenal star's fresh stance on remaining now giving Chelsea a mountain to climb if they do decide to keep up their chase.
Chelsea's Granit Xhaka dilemma as Sunderland refuse to budge
Xhaka’s importance to Sunderland is paramount.
Since arriving, he has become a key figure in the dressing room, bringing control, experience and leadership to the midfield. His influence on and off the pitch has made him one of the most trusted players in the squad, and that is reflected in the club’s firm stance.
On one side, there is the financial temptation of a significant fee for a player in the latter stages of his career. On the other, there is the footballing value Xhaka brings, which Alonso clearly believes is not easily replaced.
For Chelsea, the dilemma is slightly different.
The club are weighing up whether to bend their usual recruitment rules to satisfy a manager they have recently brought in.
Xhaka does not fit the typical profile of a Chelsea signing, especially given his age, but his experience and Premier League know-how are qualities that are difficult to find in the market.
From Sunderland’s perspective, holding firm makes complete sense. Xhaka is not just a player, he is a leader who sets standards in midfield, and replacing that impact would cost both money and time.
For Chelsea, paying that fee feels risky, but ignoring the manager’s wishes could be just as costly in the long run.
Related
English (US) · 
French (CA) ·