Granit Xhaka to Chelsea has been firmly ruled out by Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris.
Xabi Alonso wanted to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, but Xhaka has decided to remain at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea previously submitted an £8million offer for the 33-year-old. Sunderland rejected the proposal and made clear that their captain was not available for transfer.
Xhaka had initially been open to discussing another spell under Alonso. However, the opportunity to captain Sunderland in the Europa League helped convince him to stay.
Granit Xhaka to Chelsea described as closed
“No, this topic is closed,” Le Bris told reporters following Sunderland’s 4-2 pre-season defeat against Liverpool in Nashville.
“He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland.”
The Guardian reports that Le Bris also described Xhaka as a great leader and insisted there was no prospect of the club reconsidering its position.
The decision removes an experienced midfield option from Chelsea’s shortlist. Alonso worked successfully with Xhaka during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign and viewed him as someone capable of adding leadership to a young squad.
Chelsea continue to assess alternative midfielders. ReadChelsea understands the Blues are keeping tabs on Alexis Mac Allister, although there have been no talks with Liverpool and no formal offer.
The Granit Xhaka to Chelsea story now appears finished unless Sunderland or the player unexpectedly reverse their positions. Chelsea must instead decide whether another midfielder is required alongside Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Dário Essugo.
