Chelsea, Sunderland, Granit Xhaka and Xabi Alonso.
During Chelsea’s summer rebuild before Alonso officially starts.
Chelsea are exploring a deal to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, with Xabi Alonso viewing the 33-year-old as a leadership option for a young squad. Xhaka is open to the move, but Sunderland do not want to sell.
Alonso previously worked with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen and wants more experienced voices after Chelsea’s poor season. A deal could be difficult because Chelsea are unlikely to pay heavily for a player who turns 34 in September.