3 Jul 2026 14:02 BST |
4 min read
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Granit Xhaka has insisted that he remains focused on performing for Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup amid significant transfer interest from Chelsea.
The 33-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Blues, with Xabi Alonso a driving force behind their pursuit, and they saw an opening bid worth €9.3 million (£8m) rejected last week.
It’s understood that Xhaka is keen to secure a Stamford Bridge switch in order to reunite with Alonso, following their successful stint together at Bayer Leverkusen, and Chelsea are expected to submit an improved offer shortly.
Following Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Algeria, which booked their place in the World Cup last-16, Xhaka was asked about Chelsea’s interest and the prospect of joining the west London giants this summer, but he brushed away any transfer speculation.
“That’s not my job,” he told Blick (via Sunderland Echo). “I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup.”
With a move for Xhaka potentially on the cards, BBC Sport have confirmed that Chelsea are open to selling Andrey Santos this summer, with the Brazil midfielder set to fall down the pecking order if the Blues are able to reach a transfer fee agreement with Sunderland.
Chelsea receive Granit Xhaka verdict
While Xhaka is currently focused on the World Cup, ex-Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has urged his former club to finalise a deal for the Sunderland star in order to appease Alonso.
“Look, I always say for Chelsea now that any player who is going to be signed by the club has to be the first choice of Alonso. Definitely. It’s non-negotiable,” Desially told FootballTransfers, on behalf of SportsCasting.com.
“For Alonso to be able to build his philosophy, he needs to have the players he wants around him.
“Look at what PSG has achieved when they gave Luis Enrique the freedom to bring in his own players. Instead of having his third or fourth transfer options on the shortlist he gives to Luis Campos, the Sports Director, he always gets the first choice player that matches exactly with the philosophy.
“Those decisions have paid dividends. The results for PSG over the last two years have been absolutely magnificent.”
Desailly continued: “When you talk about wingers at Chelsea, there are… I will not name them, you can guess who I’m talking about, some players that have been signed who haven’t been part of the managers philosophy. Successful football clubs let their managers sign the players – all they have to do is look across town and see the success that Arsenal have had.
“If Alonso really wants Granit Xhaka because he thinks he has something special, why not give him the player?”
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