Flashscore sources: Chelsea remain keen on Granit Xhaka despite Sunderland resistance

[p]They remain in the market for the Swiss midfielder - but are determined to dictate the fee they pay to sign him.[/p][p]They were rebuffed after making an £8 million approach, with sources telling Flashscore that [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sunderland/WSzc94ws/"]Sunderland[/a] do not want to entertain offers.[/p][p]If anything was to open up, then we understand they regard [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/xhaka-granit/QBHCDKff/"]Xhaka[/a] as such an important player they would value him at close to £30 million in the current market.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a] are convinced the player is ready and willing to join them this summer, and hope his desire to make the move will help bring a deal over the line.[/p][p]However, they will not bow to Sunderland's valuation and will remain cautious as they prepare their next approach.[/p][p]Xhaka is currently on World Cup duty with Switzerland and is set to face Algeria in the round of 32 this week.[/p][embed guid="67714ecc-6caf-4f6b-920f-b50e298de815" url="https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/2071892750492909727" social-type="twitter" /][p]It is unlikely Chelsea can make significant progress until after that match, but there is hope a breakthrough can be reached soon.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/alonso-xabi/hAcTWKKN/"]Xabi Alonso[/a] is keen to reunite with his former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bayer-leverkusen/4jcj2zMd/"]Bayer Leverkusen[/a] colleague as part of his plan to bring greater experience and control to Chelsea, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.[/p][p]Sources have told Flashscore that work is ongoing to structure a deal that would increase the overall value through performance-related add-ons if the move proves successful.[/p][p]Sunderland see Xhaka as a key part of the side that enjoyed such a successful campaign last season and are reluctant to let him leave.[/p][p]However, Xhaka's head has been turned by Chelsea's interest, and the club already have a three-year contract waiting should an agreement be reached.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/transfer-news-live-tracker-updates/8QqUWm3n/"]Follow all transfer news LIVE with Flashscore this summer[/a][/b].[/p][infobox id="f961102e-920a-4281-b5f2-f996852544cf" /]