Xhaka set to stay at Sunderland despite Chelsea interest

Xhaka set to stay at Sunderland despite Chelsea interestImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Granit Xhaka scored one goal in 34 Premier League appearances last seasonByPaul BattisonBBC Sport JournalistPublishedJust nowByNizaar KinsellaChelsea reporterSunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Chelsea.The Switzerland midfielder, whose contract ends in 2028, was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, after playing under him at Bayer Leverkusen.Chelsea saw an £8m bid for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland last week and the Blues had been expected to return with an improved offer. However, sources at Sunderland have told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old is not for sale and, following discussions, Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats. Chelsea have not given up hope of landing Xhaka, with sources at the club maintaining that the former Arsenal midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.It remains to be seen, however, whether the Blues will submit a further bid for the player. Xhaka helped Sunderland qualify for Europe for the first time in 53 years last season following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. He made 34 Premier League appearances as the Black Cats finished seventh to qualify for the Conference League.The Switzerland captain spent seven years at Arsenal, making 297 appearances, before joining Leverkusen in 2023 where he helped the German club win their first Bundesliga title under Alonso.Xhaka is currently at the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada with Switzerland, where he has played every game in his country's run to the last 16.Related topicsFootballPremier LeagueSunderlandChelseaMore on this storyLatest Sunderland news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Sunderland - what do you want to know?