Chelsea have been handed a significant blow in their quest to sign Granit Xhaka this summer, however should instead move quickly to sign fellow World Cup star Bruno Guimaraes.
Despite hesitation from the owners, they made a number of bids to sign Xhaka from Sunderland at the request of Xabi Alonso, who worked alongside him at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Black Cats have briefed journalists that the deal will not happen, and despite small hope at the club that they could still sign him, it looks as if they will have to pivot to a new target.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
Chelsea need to pivot from Granit Xhaka to Bruno Guimaraes
When looking at players with experience and leadership already under their belts, Bruno Guimaraes stands out as one of the standout candidates they can now look to sign.
The midfielder is currently representing Brazil at the World Cup, where he is taking on much of the legwork in the middle of the park as father time catches up on Casemiro alongside him.
He has registered an impressive four assists in as many games at this tournament, and brings an attacking element to his game Xhaka struggles to consistently add.
14 goal involvements in 29 games in the Premier League makes him a regular threat in front of goal, and could even replace the goals they will lose if Enzo Fernandez gets his desired move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea wouldn’t be coming into this move cold. They have already met with Guimaraes earlier this summer to discuss a possible deal.
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The Blues should take confidence that Newcastle are willing to sell for the right price this summer, after agreeing deals to part ways with Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Despite giving his all for the Magpies, he is open to a move away this summer, and has been of interest to fellow Premier League side Arsenal.
Chelsea also have the advantage that Guimaraes has a strong relationship with current star Joao Pedro, having always wanted to play alongside him at club level.
He will absolutely cost more than Xhaka would have, but is five years younger and provides far more in the attacking third than the Switzerland star would.
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