Sunderland Experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka is said not for sale after emergence Chelsea have begun talks with the player’s camp about a possible move.
The Swiss international, 33, who is under contract until 2028, played a key role in helping the Black Cats qualify for Europe last season.
It is understood that his representatives had contact from Stamford Bridge, although sources within the club have not yet confirmed this.
But he is understood to be open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, having won the Bundesliga alongside Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
However, no personal terms have been agreed with Chelsea.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense on the final day of last season and are understood to be under no financial pressure to sell key players. Club sources say they have no intention of letting Xhaka go.
The former Arsenal player, who is with Switzerland at the World Cup, missed just four league games for the Wearside club and earned plenty of plaudits by captaining Regis Le Bris’ side to seventh place.
For Chelsea, any successful move would mark a radical change in transfer policy, signing a player who will turn 34 in September, having fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the last two seasons. They have not selected any players aged 30 or older during that period.
Members of the club’s management, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge that adjustments are needed to improve their recruitment.
Some of the criticism has centered on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns about dressing room culture, something the former Arsenal captain received wide praise for helping to build at newly promoted Sunderland last season.
The addition of a midfielder has long been part of Chelsea’s plans for this summer, and comes amid growing expectations that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.
Chelsea have not received a formal approach for the Argentina international and value him at around £120m. However, sources in Spain suggest there is internal support at Real Madrid for a move, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea will also sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, while several players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, face uncertain futures.
Defender Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.