Chelsea seemingly missing out on the signing of Granit Xhaka from Sunderland could be a blessing in disguise if they turn their attention to signing Luka Modric instead.
Xabi Alonso had been the key figure at the club pushing to bring Xhaka to Stamford Bridge, however Sunderland have stayed firm in their stance that he is not for sale this summer.
In their quest to bring experience to the middle of the park, Chelsea will have to look elsewhere this summer, and could hit the jackpot if they can convince Luka Modric to join the club.
Who will be a bigger success – Enzo Maresca or Xabi Alonso? 🤔
City have confirmed Maresca will replace Guardiola.
Chelsea could sign Luka Modric for free after missing out on Granit Xhaka
The veteran midfielder’s contract with AC Milan is currently up, meaning he is available on a free transfer for any club willing to take a punt this summer.
The Blues have been more than keen to take advantage of opportunistic signings since the new owners took over, and the 40-year-old would certainly fit into that category.
Despite his age, Modric is a player who still possesses great quality, as well as leadership after another World Cup leading Croatia to the knockout stages.
Despite plenty of quality in Chelsea’s midfield options of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, experience is seriously lacking, and Modric would help fill that gap nicely.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
Xabi Alonso already knows Luka Modric
During Alonso’s brief time in charge of Real Madrid, he was temporarily in charge of Modric at the Club World Cup in 2025 which Chelsea eventually won.
The reason behind major interest in Xhaka was the fact that Alonso knows he can trust him, and this will be the same for Modric.
It remains to be seen how strong the Croatian’s admiration for Chelsea’s arch-rivals Tottenham is, after he spent his Premier League playing days in North London.
After missing out on Xhaka, Chelsea need to be careful that they are still giving their new manager the backing they have promised him, and if he wants an experienced midfielder in his squad there are few better options than Modric.
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