Chelsea’s move for Granit Xhaka looks over after Sunderland refused to sell the midfielder and the player reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre reported the update through Dharmesh Sheth and Keith Downie after Chelsea’s approach for the 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder.
For Chelsea, this closes one of the more unusual midfield lines of Xabi Alonso’s early Stamford Bridge window.
Alonso wanted Xhaka because he trusted him at Bayer Leverkusen and knows exactly how the Switzerland international can control tempo. Chelsea had already tested Sunderland with an approach, but the Wearside club kept a firm stance throughout.
Xhaka Block Forces Chelsea To Move On
This outcome gives Chelsea a clear answer rather than a dragging negotiation.
ReadChelsea had already covered why the Xhaka pursuit tested Chelsea’s transfer policy and Alonso’s authority, because the deal always sat outside the club’s recent age and resale model.
The football logic made sense. Chelsea need an older organiser who can help Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia operate with more control next season.
But Sunderland held the leverage. Xhaka captains the club, remains central to their midfield and now appears ready to stay.
Chelsea must now decide whether to chase another senior controller or trust Alonso to build that structure from the midfielders already at Cobham. The Xhaka idea had logic, but Sunderland have made the route look closed.
