Granit Xhaka is set to become the protagonist of one of the most controversial transfers of the English transfer window: the former Arsenal captain has reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to bolster the Blues, a move that promises to ignite London and divide Gunners fans. The news has caught many by surprise, especially after an absolutely remarkable season at Sunderland, where he was a key figure in the Black Cats’ return to prominence in English football.
The 33-year-old Swiss international only returned to the Premier League last summer, after leaving Bayer Leverkusen to strengthen Sunderland, who had just been promoted, in a transfer valued at £17 million. The gamble paid off: Xhaka established himself as the midfield general, leading the team both on and off the pitch, and was crucial in Sunderland’s sensational seventh-place finish, which earned them qualification for the Europa League. Now, according to Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea has reportedly reached a full agreement with Xhaka regarding the personal terms of the contract and is negotiating with Sunderland for the transfer of the Swiss midfielder.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP LIVES ON WITH LEGO
The main person responsible for the interest from the Blues is Xabi Alonso, the newly appointed head coach of Chelsea, who knows Xhaka better than most: together, in Leverkusen, they were key players in one of the most historic seasons of the Bundesliga, when, in 2023/24, they won the title without any defeats. Alonso was impressed by Xhaka’s decisive role, highlighting his “leadership, experience, and tactical intelligence” as keys to the German success. The bond between them is strong, and the Spanish coach now wants to reunite with the Swiss player, this time at Stamford Bridge, to lead the renewal of Chelsea’s midfield.
However, Sunderland is not willing to make negotiations easy. Xhaka signed a three-year contract last summer and quickly became one of the most influential figures in the squad, having been named the club’s Player of the Season, thanks to a goal and six assists in the Premier League. With the prospect of competing in European competitions in 2024/25, the northeast English club feels in a position of strength and has no urgent financial need to sell their playmaker. The stand-off promises to prolong, with Chelsea determined to secure one of the most experienced midfielders in European football.
The potential move of Xhaka to Stamford Bridge has the potential to shake up the market and the hearts of fans. Few former Arsenal players have managed to so radically change the opinion of fans as Xhaka. After a turbulent period in London, which included losing the captain’s armband in 2019, the Swiss midfielder regained the respect of Gunners supporters and was a key figure in the club’s reconstruction under Mikel Arteta, before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen. The prospect of seeing one of Arsenal’s most beloved former captains in the colors of rival Chelsea leaves many fans divided, caught between respect for the player’s journey and discomfort at seeing him in one of London’s biggest rivals.
In the international context, Xhaka is currently representing the Swiss national team at the World Cup, having started in all three group stage matches and helped his team secure qualification for the knockout stage after finishing at the top of their group. This international exposure could further increase the player’s market value and accelerate negotiations between Chelsea and Sunderland, especially if Xhaka maintains the level of performance he has shown in the competition.
For Chelsea, signing Xhaka would represent a significant reinforcement for a sector that has struggled with a lack of stability and leadership on the pitch in recent seasons. The Swiss player’s experience, combined with his knowledge of English football and his trusting relationship with Xabi Alonso, could be crucial for establishing a new cycle at Stamford Bridge. On the other hand, Sunderland will have to weigh the financial value of the offer against the sporting impact of losing their most influential player, at a time when they are returning to European competitions.
The coming days promise to be decisive. Xabi Alonso has already made it known that he wants Xhaka as a cornerstone of the new Chelsea, and if negotiations progress, we could witness one of the summer’s most surprising transfers. Arsenal fans will inevitably have to cope with the shock of seeing one of their former idols in a rival team, but it remains to be seen where the player’s desire will weigh more: to remain a key figure in the European Sunderland or to venture once again with a London giant in search of titles and recognition. The saga is far from over and promises more heated chapters in the always unpredictable English market.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
