Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, is targeting a reunion with Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder was a key figure in Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen team that won the Bundesliga.
Sunderland, Xhaka's current club, has just qualified for European football. Reports state the £25 million price tag is considered insufficient by Alonso, who values Xhaka's leadership and game management highly.
Chelsea's strategy under Alonso aims to blend experienced players with young talent. Xhaka is seen as a crucial figure to set the team's tempo and provide dressing-room authority.
No formal bid has been made. Sunderland's strong position, coupled with their upcoming European campaign, makes selling their experienced captain unlikely without a significantly higher offer.