Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to stay with the club this summer, with his commitment reaffirmed following discussions with team officials. This comes despite reported interest from Chelsea, who were believed to be preparing an improved offer after an initial £8 million bid was rejected last week.
Sources at Sunderland have indicated that the 33-year-old midfielder is not for sale. Xhaka, whose contract extends to 2028, had been linked with a move to Chelsea, with reports suggesting he was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with manager Xabi Alonso, under whom he previously played at Bayer Leverkusen.
Sources close to Chelsea, however, maintain that the former Arsenal midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen if Chelsea will pursue further bids.
Xhaka was instrumental in Sunderland's qualification for European competition for the first time in 53 years last season. He made 34 Premier League appearances as the Black Cats secured a seventh-place finish, earning a spot in the Conference League. Prior to joining Sunderland, Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, making 297 appearances. He moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, contributing to the club's first-ever Bundesliga title under Alonso. He is currently representing Switzerland at the World Cup and has played in all of his country's matches en route to the Round of 16.