Granit Xhaka Pursuit Continues as Chelsea Refuse to Give Up

Granit Xhaka is still a key target for Chelsea, with the Blues refusing to give up on the Sunderland star. On Friday, it emerged that Xhaka was set to stay at Sunderland following fresh talks.

Chelsea's interest in Xhaka has taken many twists this summer, with their opening £8m offer rejected and expectations that they would return with an improved bid.

The Blues are understood to have tested the waters with Sunderland for the experienced Switzerland international, but Regis Le Bris' side quickly made their stance clear: Xhaka is not up for sale.

Xhaka is seen as too important a figure to let go, especially given his leadership role and influence since arriving back in England. He has become a key figure in the dressing room, bringing control, experience and leadership to the midfield.

His influence on and off the pitch has made him one of the most trusted players in the squad, and that is reflected in the club’s firm stance. Sunderland sources are still under the belief that Xhaka won't be going anywhere and will lead them in the Europa League next season.

According to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, Chelsea 'remain interested' and 'active' on the experienced midfielder's trail, convinced that he is still attracted by the prospect of working with Xabi Alonso again. Chelsea are weighing up whether to bend their usual recruitment rules to satisfy a manager they have recently brought in.

Xhaka does not fit the typical profile of a Chelsea signing, especially given his age, but his experience and Premier League know-how are qualities that are difficult to find in the market. For Chelsea, paying the £25m fee feels risky, but ignoring the manager’s wishes could be just as costly in the long run.

Sunderland's refusal to sell Xhaka makes complete sense, as he is a leader who sets standards in midfield, and replacing that impact would cost both money and time. The Black Cats won't let their World Cup star go easily, and Xhaka's fresh stance on remaining now gives Chelsea a mountain to climb if they do decide to keep up their chase.