Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, although their ambition is a sign of how badly wrong the project has gone over the last few years.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have not escaped criticism for how they have run the Blues since taking over four years ago, and squad building has been a real issue.
There are no real leaders at Stamford Bridge, and this has seen them consistently capitulate in tough environments which have cost them crucial points in the Premier League.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
Granit Xhaka signing shows how far Chelsea have fallen under BlueCo
Adding Xhaka to the first team squad would certainly start to address that issue, and also appease new manager Xabi Alonso who is the driving force behind this interest.
However, it would have been unfathomable a few years ago that Chelsea would be desperate to add a 33-year-old midfielder to their ranks, who had just spent a season with a side many had predicted to be relegated from the Premier League last season.
The majority of experienced stars who were approaching the twilight of their career used to end up joining Arsenal. Willian, David Luiz and Petr Cech all fit into this category.
Now though, the tables have turned, and it is Chelsea looking to sign a player who was deemed not good enough to remain at the Emirates as they moved forward under Mikel Arteta.
The quality of midfield signings can also come into question. Andrey Santos looked okay last season, but could certainly benefit from a loan spell at another Premier League club.
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Romeo Lavia on the other hand is still yet to complete 90 minutes for the Blues since his move from Southampton in 2023, and many are ready to move on from the clearly talented Belgian.
There are also no assurances over the future of Enzo Fernandez, and midfield reinforcements could become even more important if he was to leave this summer.
No one is doubting that Xhaka would be a crucial signing to Chelsea at this stage, however the fact the project has come to this is a shocking piece of work that will not get the consequences it deserves.
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