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Chelsea change their approach to sign Granit Xhaka as second bid now imminent

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Granit Xhaka has emerged as one of the main targets for Chelsea in this summer transfer window, with a second bid for the midfielder now set to come in.

Xabi Alonso has personally pushed for the Blues to bring in Xhaka after finding success with him in his side at Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite being 33 years of age, the Blues have been convinced he is the calibre of player they need, and have already seen an initial bid instantly rejected by Sunderland.

DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟

Chelsea adding clauses to hopefully secure Granit Xhaka signing

They are insistent they do not want to sell him, but Chelsea now have a plan lined up to try and get the deal over the line.

As per Flashscore, the next bid from the Blues will include a number of clauses that will increase the value of the deal over time.

Switzerland  v Bosnia and Herzegovina -World Cup
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

It also goes on to say that Chelsea are willing to offer a three-year deal to Xhaka, which will see him be 36 years of age before his time at the club comes to an end.

The deal goes against everything BlueCo have put in place already at Stamford Bridge, with their project revolving around signing promising young players.

However, there has been a recognition that the squad building has not been good enough, and leadership and experience is required in the first team.

With Marco Palestra officially in the building, does he instantly start over Reece James or Malo Gusto?👀

Chelsea Unveil New Signing Marco Palestra
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea are backing Alonso all the way

One of the biggest complaints the likes of Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino will have from their times at Chelsea was not feeling as if they had the backing of the ownership.

This looks to be changing as Alonso signs in as manager. A number of the club’s reported targets can be linked to who is currently in charge of the club.

Alonso was big in the club pushing to hijack the signing of Marco Palestra, after he looked certain to be moving to Inter Milan this summer.

The club’s desire to add Maxence Lacroix also comes from the Spaniard, who has made it clear he wants new centre-backs for his first season at Stamford Bridge.