Granit Xhaka breaks silence on Chelsea move as Sunderland exit looms

Granit Xhaka’s comments have cooled Chelsea transfer talk while Sunderland’s stance remains firm as the clubs’ summer discussions approach an apparent stalemate. Reports from talkSPORT say Chelsea made an £8 million opening bid for the Switzerland captain, which was immediately rejected. Sunderland have made clear they do not want to sell, and the club is not under visible pressure to negotiate. Xhaka, meanwhile, shut down questions by saying it is not his role to discuss a move and that he wants to concentrate fully on the World Cup. Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0, with Xhaka playing 90 minutes as Breel Embolo and Nottingham Forest striker Dan Ndoye scored. The episode matters because Sunderland’s 34 league appearances last season helped drive a seventh-place finish and European qualification, making replacements costly.