‘Topic is closed’ – Chelsea issued final hands-off warning following rejected bid

Chelsea have been told by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris that club captain Granit Xhaka is categorically not for sale.

talkSPORT understands Xhaka was the subject of an £8million opening bid from Chelsea in June, with new boss Xabi Alonso keen to reunite with a key figure from his Bayer Leverkusen reign.

However, this offer was immediately rejected, which was said to have been deemed ‘unacceptable’ by the Black Cats.

It was also suggested Sunderland wouldn’t entertain any further offers for their skipper, with the club under no pressure to sell.

Chelsea are yet to submit an improved offer for Xhaka, who has drawn interest after playing a major role in his team’s qualification for the Europa League last season.

The Swiss captain returned to the Premier League with Sunderland last summer after two years at Leverkusen under Alonso.

Staying put

It now appears that Xhaka’s future lies at the Stadium of Light, with manager Le Bris reiterating the Black Cats’ not for sale stance.

Speaking after his side’s 4-2 friendly defeat to Liverpool, Le Bris said: “No, this topic is closed.

“He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland.

“He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader.”

New Chelsea boss Alonso had keen on a reunion with ex-Arsenal star Xhaka, who starred in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga glory under him in 2024.

But with the 33-year-old now looking set to stay on Wearside, his demands will be greater in the upcoming season as he prepares to lead his side in Europe.

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Xhaka played 34 league games for Sunderland in the 2025/26 campaign after joining the club, instantly making a huge impact on and off the pitch as they remarkably went on to finish in seventh spot.

And despite the added strain of Europa League football next term, Le Bris insisted his side won’t be strengthening as heavily in this transfer window as they did last summer.

Ahead of their return to the Premier League last term, the Black Cats recruited heavily, signing 15 new players.

But they have been quiet so far this summer, with only Belgium defender Thomas Meunier arriving on a free following his Lille release, and Le Bris admitted fans won’t see a huge rebuild in the coming weeks.

The Sunderland head coach added: “It’s going to be quiet. Under the radar, right?

“I won’t give you information, because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise it’s a mess.

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“And we are looking at probably a different transfer window if you compare with last season. We had to sign 14 new players. It won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.”

Busy Blues

With Chelsea seemingly out of the race to sign Xhaka, they have already set about pursuing other midfield targets.

talkSPORT recently revealed that the Blues had seen a £64m bid for Alex Scott rejected by Bournemouth, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen on the young Englishman.

The west London side have shown they mean business so far this summer as they prepare for a new era under Alonso.

Morgan Rogers arrived from Aston Villa in a £117m deal to add to their wealth of attacking midfield options, which also features Cole Palmer, while they are also keen to keep hold of Enzo Fernandez.

Winger Geovany Quenda has officially joined from Sporting Lisbon – along with striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg – with Chelsea also forking out £45m on Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.