Chelsea will have to look at transfer alternatives to Granit Xhaka after it was revealed the midfielder has decided to stay at Sunderland.
Xhaka had been identified as a surprise but logical summer target for Chelsea following the appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager. The Spaniard had previously enjoyed great success with Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, while the player also represented the kind of leadership and experience the Blues were in short supply of during what turned into a disastrous 2025–26.
