Chelsea want to reunite Xabi Alonso with his former player Granit Xhaka ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Xhaka played under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, and the pair enjoyed success together after winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga title.
Chelsea have now made a bid for Xhaka, but it was unsuccessful, with Sunderland reluctant to let their midfielder go. If that stance does not change, the Blues should turn to another midfielder in his 30s.
How would you feel about Leon Goretzka replacing Enzo Fernandez? 🇩🇪 💪
Chelsea should pivot to Leon Goretzka after Granit Xhaka bid
Leon Goretzka ticks a lot of boxes for Chelsea and could be a great alternative to Xhaka this summer.
Goretzka, whose contract at Bayern Munich expires this week, is now 31. He has plenty of experience at the highest level, which is what Chelsea are looking for right now.
In total, the German has made 312 appearances for Bayern. There, he has won the Champions League once and the Bundesliga seven times.
Goretzka has also won 72 caps for Germany and is currently with Julian Nagelsmann’s team at the World Cup.
Chelsea fans discussed the idea of signing Goretzka back in March, with many split on whether he should be brought in or not.
But on a free transfer, Alonso would surely welcome the former Schalke man to Stamford Bridge, especially if he cannot get his hands on Xhaka.
Leon Goretzka a better midfielder than Granit Xhaka
You can argue that Goretzka is actually a better player than Xhaka and would thus be a better signing.
They are different midfielders, with Goretzka’s best position being the No.8 role, while Xhaka is a very effective No.6.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
But the fact that Goretzka can time his runs perfectly and get into the box to score goals probably makes him a more useful midfielder than Xhaka. Early in his career, the Germany international was even compared to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
There have been no links with Goretzka, but if a transfer for Xhaka is off the table, Chelsea should try to snap up the Germany star instead.
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