The biggest obstacle Chelsea look set to face in doing a deal for midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer is convincing Sunderland to sell their captain, but Liam Delap could play a helping hand.
Reports emerged on Saturday that Chelsea had opened talks to sign Xhaka, in what would be a reunion between Xabi Alonso and the Switzerland midfielder. Xhaka and Alonso won the 2023-24 Bundesliga.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
Xhaka would leave Leverkusen a year later, joining Sunderland a year ago in what was seen as a real coup for the Wearside club. Indeed, Xhaka played a key role in taking Sunderland into Europe after promotion.
Despite his Arsenal connections, Xhaka has emerged as a target for Chelsea as Alonso seeks a reunion. Xhaka is said to have agreed on personal terms and is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Liam Delap can help Chelsea sign Granit Xhaka this summer
While Xhaka is keen on a move, and Chelsea are desperate to bring the former Arsenal man to West London this summer, Sunderland do not want to lose their talisman, given Xhaka’s importance.
But one Chelsea player who may help convince Sunderland into a sale is Liam Delap. The striker’s future at Chelsea is in the balance, with five Premier League clubs supposedly considering the £30m signing.
One of those five clubs touted in having an interest in Delap was Sunderland. If Sunderland are unwilling to sell Xhaka to Chelsea, then maybe including Delap, given Sunderland’s interest, may tempt them.
Certainly, Chelsea are expected to bring in top-quality competition for Joao Pedro this summer. Delap needs a fresh start after managing just one Premier League goal all season, and Sunderland are in Europe.
What is Liam Delap’s stance on leaving Chelsea this summer?
Despite Pedro being Chelsea’s out-and-out first-choice striker after winning the club’s Player of the Season award for 2025-26, reports suggest Delap wants to remain at Chelsea and fight for his place.
Realistically, how much is Liam Delap worth?🤔
No doubt, there is a player in Delap. Whether he can deal with the pressure of playing for a club as big as Chelsea remains unknown. Joining a physical side like Sunderland may actually suit the Englishman.
Whether Sunderland remain interested, and whether Delap’s inclusion in a deal would be enough to convince them to let Delap go, is also an unknown. But on paper, it is a deal that may suit all parties.
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