Chelsea hold a strong interest in Sunderland's Granit Xhaka

Xabi Alonso has been appointed as Chelsea's new manager ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season, and the Spaniard is already looking to stamp his footprint on the squad.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager wants to reunite with one of his former midfielders, Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland international joined Sunderland last summer from the Bundesliga side, and he has been a brilliant midfielder for the Black Cats.

Alonso has recently expressed his interest in Xhaka, and the player has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea, ahead of a potential move. The Blues submitted an £8 million bid for the 33-year-old, but the offer was turned down by the side from the North East.

Chelsea's transfer strategy recently has come under scrutiny, but Xabi Alonso seemingly wants to have a big say in deals for players both joining and leaving the club. With this change, more players will be signed by the manager who believes they will have an impact on the side, and not by the hierarchy, who are signing players they believe can be influential.

Granit Xhaka seems to have been identified by Alonso as somebody who can help strengthen Chelsea, coming off the back of a great season with Sunderland.

Xhaka signed for Sunderland for £17.5 million, including add-ons, so the Black Cats will look to recoup as much of that transfer fee as possible, if he does leave this summer.

However, Sunderland have said Xhaka is not up for sale, despite the midfielder reportedly agreeing terms with the Club World Cup winners.

The former Arsenal midfielder could be set for a return to the Capital, but to the blue side of the city.

The veteran would help to bring great leadership, depth and experience to a young dressing room. Xabi Alonso is wasting no time trying to make key signings, in order to propel Chelsea up the league table and better their 10th-place finish from last season.