Chelsea prepares a second offer to sign Xhaka

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Premier League

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Ipswich Sunderland

22/08/26 16:00:00

2.63 3.20 2.55

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Chelsea is going to try to sign Granit Xhaka immediately by presenting a formal counteroffer at Sunderland's offices, after seeing how the Black Cats board categorically rejected an initial written offer. The Swiss midfielder is one of Xabi Alonso's main requests.

The technical secretariat at Stamford Bridge initiated negotiations in the offices this past Saturday with a proposal of 8 million pounds, a valuation that was almost considered an institutional affront at the Stadium of Light. The northeast English squad remains firm in their decision to keep their current captain and midfield maestro, arguing that the player is not for sale under any circumstances.

However, the negotiation landscape in the British Isles has taken a radical turn at the beginning of July 2026, due to the strong desire of the Swiss leader to work again under the guidance of his main supporter. The veteran midfielder from Xolos eagerly wants to reunite in London with the Basque coach, Xabi Alonso, whose four-season contract at the helm of the Blues officially commenced this July 1. The coach from Guipúzcoa considers the incorporation of his former pupil vital to effectively convey his methodological concepts to the London squad.

The commercial viability of this summer soap opera will require the London board to significantly loosen their purse strings to overcome the resistance of a direct competitor. At Stamford Bridge, there was a strong belief that the initial offer matched the player's market value, but the steadfastness of his current club will necessitate a much more generous financial package in the upcoming summer days, seeking to capitalize on the media buzz before the player returns from his international commitments.

Xabi Alonso Wants Xhaka at Chelsea

The strong insistence of Chelsea's board to make a second attempt stems from the successful partnership that the Basque coach and the experienced midfielder forged during their recent stint in Germany. Leading the Bayer Leverkusen locker room together, the Spanish coach and the 33-year-old pivot touched footballing glory by securing a historic domestic double in the 2023-2024 season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal unbeaten, in addition to clinching the runner-up spot in the continental final against Atalanta.

The major obstacle to Alonso's return to a Big Six club lies in his current club where he holds an undisputed leadership role. Sunderland made a significant investment last summer, paying 13 million pounds plus an additional 4 million in variables to recruit him from the German league. In his debut season at the club, the Swiss international assumed the captaincy and guided the team to a historic UEFA qualification, with a contract that runs until June 30, 2028.

At 33 years old — turning 34 in September — the former Arsenal player is fully focused on the final stages of the World Cup with the Swiss national team. His international exposure only justifies Chelsea's coaching staff's obsession with securing his services, understanding that his defensive leadership, consistency in covers, and impeccable long-range passing will provide the hierarchical quality leap necessary to dominate the challenging Premier League.

The Arrival of Marco Palestra Marks the Beginning of Xabi Alonso's Signings

While the London club's emissaries work in the shadows to resolve the Swiss midfielder's dossier, the board has officially announced their first major summer signing. The institutional communication channels of the club confirmed the permanent acquisition of Marco Palestra, a promising 21-year-old Italian international defender for a total fee of 47 million pounds, including variables paid to Atalanta of Bergamo.

The addition of this young Italian full-back represents a sensational coup in British offices, beating out top clubs like Inter Milan for his signature. The 21-year-old defender had an exceptional year in the Italian league, winning the Best Defender award of the season during his loan spell at Cagliari, establishing himself as a physically robust defender ready to compete for an immediate starting role under Xabi Alonso's tactical schemes.

Phone calls will intensify between the administrations of British clubs in the coming days of this warm July. Chelsea's technical secretariat's roadmap remains unchanged, and they will spare no effort in boardroom negotiations to satisfy the methodological demands of their new coach, hoping that an improved financial proposal will tip the scales and secure Granit Xhaka's signature before the transfer window closes.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Chelsea prepara segunda oferta para fichar a Xhaka