It has been well-documented that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is keen on a reunion with former player Granit Xhaka.
Alonso worked with the Sunderland captain at Bayer Leverkusen, enjoying title success back in the 2023/24 season.
Who would you start in a five-man defence for Chelsea?
A reunion is not guaranteed, though, with Sunderland already rejecting an £8m offer for Xhaka from Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso willing to turn to Granit Xhaka alternative
For as much as Alonso wants Xhaka at Stamford Bridge, it does not look like the 44-year-old is going to throw his toys out of the pram if Chelsea fail to sign him this summer.
According to CaughtOffside, Alonso is ready to consider alternatives to Xhaka that Chelsea’s recruitment staff have put to him.
Alonso is getting a lot of say on transfers, with the Spaniard also thought to be the Chelsea figure who is driving interest in Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria.
Chavarria’s potential arrival could see a change in formation at Chelsea. The 28-year-old could end up playing left wing-back, while Marco Palestra starts on the opposite flank.
Palestra’s move to Chelsea has been completed and was announced on Wednesday afternoon in a boost to the Blues.
Other midfielders Chelsea could bid for
Xhaka is not the only midfielder who is on Chelsea’s radar right now. The Club World Cup holders are also thought to have the likes of Adam Wharton and Alex Scott on their shortlist.
Wharton and Scott will cost significantly more than Xhaka. For example, it has been reported that Crystal Palace want £100m for Wharton.
Wharton is 11 years Xhaka’s junior, though. Chelsea will feel that he could be worth £100m if they get five to 10 good seasons out of him.
However, the Xhaka saga is not over yet. It is believed that the Switzerland international wants to join Chelsea, and if he pushes for a move, he may just get it. It will certainly be interesting to see what Chelsea do next.
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