Chelsea are reportedly moving closer to completing one of the most surprising transfers of the summer, with experienced Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka emerging as a serious target for the Blues ahead of the new season.
The former Arsenal captain is said to be eager to return to London after communicating his willingness to accept the club’s contractual terms in order to secure the move. Reports also suggest that Xhaka has made it clear he wants to reunite with manager Xabi Alonso, who has played a key role in shaping the midfielder’s career in recent years.
If the deal is completed, it would mark one of the most intriguing transfers of the summer window, bringing one of the Premier League’s most experienced midfielders back to English football after his successful spell in Germany.
Xhaka has enjoyed a remarkable revival over the past three years. After leaving Arsenal in 2023, many questioned whether the Swiss international had reached the latter stages of his career. Instead, he silenced critics by producing some of the finest football of his professional journey.
His move to Bayer Leverkusen proved transformative. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Xhaka became the heartbeat of the team’s midfield, helping the German club achieve historic success.
During the unforgettable 2023/24 campaign, Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance by winning the Bundesliga title without losing a single league match. The club also lifted the DFB Pokal and reached the UEFA Europa League final, with Xhaka playing a central role throughout the historic season.
His calmness under pressure, accurate passing, tactical intelligence and leadership qualities made him one of the Bundesliga’s outstanding midfielders.
Those performances also restored his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete central midfielders.
Chelsea’s interest reflects the club’s desire to add greater experience to an increasingly youthful squad.
Over the last few transfer windows, the Blues have invested heavily in emerging talents from across Europe and South America. While the strategy has produced exciting prospects, the squad has at times lacked experienced leaders capable of controlling matches during difficult moments.
Xhaka offers exactly those qualities.
Having played hundreds of matches across the Premier League, Bundesliga and international football, the Swiss captain possesses invaluable experience that could benefit Chelsea’s younger players.
His leadership credentials are equally impressive.
Xhaka has captained both Arsenal and the Switzerland national team, demonstrating his ability to inspire teammates while maintaining high professional standards both on and off the pitch.
For Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, signing a player of Xhaka’s profile could provide the balance required in midfield.
His ability to dictate tempo, break up opposition attacks and launch forward moves with precise long passes makes him an ideal player for possession-based football.
One of the biggest factors driving the proposed move appears to be Xhaka’s personal desire to return to London.
The Swiss international spent seven memorable years at Arsenal after joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.
Although his time at the Emirates Stadium included moments of criticism, particularly during difficult periods with supporters, Xhaka eventually rebuilt his relationship with Arsenal fans through outstanding performances, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
His final season in North London was arguably his best.
Operating in a more advanced midfield role under Mikel Arteta, Xhaka scored important goals, contributed numerous assists and helped Arsenal challenge seriously for the Premier League title before eventually finishing second.
That impressive campaign convinced Bayer Leverkusen to bring him back to Germany.
Now, after achieving tremendous success in the Bundesliga, the midfielder appears ready for another Premier League challenge.
His willingness to accept Chelsea’s contract conditions reportedly demonstrates how determined he is to complete the move.
Beyond football, returning to London would also provide stability for his family, who previously enjoyed life in the English capital during his Arsenal years.
Born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland, Granit Xhaka comes from a family with Kosovan Albanian roots.
His parents emigrated to Switzerland from the former Yugoslavia before his birth, and football became an important part of family life from an early age.
His older brother, Taulant Xhaka, also became a professional footballer and represents Albania internationally.
Granit began his football journey in the youth academy of FC Basel, one of Switzerland’s most successful clubs.
His exceptional technical ability and maturity quickly distinguished him from other young players.
He made his senior debut while still a teenager and won multiple Swiss league titles before earning a transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
In the Bundesliga, Xhaka developed into one of Europe’s finest young midfielders.
His powerful passing range, defensive awareness and leadership qualities attracted interest from several major clubs before Arsenal eventually secured his signature for around £35 million in 2016.
During his seven seasons with Arsenal, Xhaka made more than 290 appearances, won two FA Cups and became one of the club’s most influential senior players.
Internationally, he has enjoyed an equally distinguished career.
Xhaka has earned well over 130 caps for Switzerland, making him one of the most capped players in the nation’s football history.
He has represented his country at multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships while serving as captain for several years.
Known for his consistency, leadership and composure in major tournaments, Xhaka remains one of Switzerland’s most respected footballers.
Should Chelsea complete the transfer, they would be signing far more than an experienced midfielder.
They would be acquiring a proven winner who has succeeded in Switzerland, Germany and England while consistently performing on the international stage.
His experience could prove invaluable as Chelsea continue rebuilding a squad capable of challenging for Premier League and European honours.
Negotiations are understood to be progressing positively, although the transfer has not yet been officially completed.
If an agreement is reached, Xhaka’s return to London would undoubtedly rank among the biggest stories of the summer transfer window and could provide Chelsea with the leadership and midfield control they have sought in recent seasons.
