With Marco Palestra reportedly over the line and Chelsea pushing hard to land Maxence Lacroix, the latest player on BlueCo’s shopping list is Granit Xhaka.
The last week has seen Chelsea kick into gear ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Cobham next week. The Spaniard is set to start work on July 1, before a first pre-season game in Australia at the end of the month.
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Chelsea fans had started to grow concerned at a lack of activity, especially with Tottenham making so many moves in the transfer window. But that has changed over the last week with Alonso wielding power.
Palestra has agreed to join with the Italian spotted flying to London ahead of his £43m move. Lacroix is a £50m target that Chelsea want to sign and now, reports regarding Granit Xhaka’s move have emerged.
Granit Xhaka is a massive fan of ‘amazing’ Chelsea player
Multiple sources are confirming that Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, though there is a difference between the fee Chelsea are set to pay. Sunderland are not willing to cash in on the midfielder.
Indeed, Xhaka has been a key part of Sunderland’s first season back in the Premier League, playing a huge role in Regis Le Bris’ guiding the Black Cats into Europe. But a reunion with Alonso is tempting.
Xhaka has agreed to join Chelsea, but the Blues now face the obstacle of convincing Sunderland. It is not only Alonso that Xhaka is a big fan of at Chelsea, though. In 2025, he admitted he loves Cole Palmer.
Speaking to Sky Sports early last season, Xhaka praised Palmer for his development and admitted he has enjoyed watching the Chelsea and England star set the Premier League alight over the last few seasons.
“He’s amazing. How much he improved after his move to Chelsea, unbelievable, he’s the key man in my opinion, he finds the spaces between the lines, he finds the last pass and he can score as well himself.”
What Alonso has said about Xhaka in recent seasons
Obviously, Xhaka was a key part of the Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga title in 2023-24 under Alonso. A team that went unbeaten for the entire league season and reached the Europa League final.
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In 2024, he said: “Granit is a real fighter, he showed the big heart he has. He is an aggressive leader and constantly pushes the limits. He is an extremely important player. With good midfielders, you play better.”
Interest in Xhaka makes sense, even if it goes completely against BlueCo’s approach to the transfer market. Palestra fits, but the signing of Xhaka is one that shows Alonso has significant Chelsea power.
It is also a clear sign that Alonso is planning to adopt the 3-4-2-1 system he perfected while in Germany. Xhaka will soon turn 34, but it feels like the left-footed ace is getting better and better with age.
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