Chelsea are still pursuing the transfer of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, with new manager Xabi Alonso reportedly pushing for the signing. However, the club's board and recruitment team have reservations about the move, which may be causing tension at Stamford Bridge.
According to recent reports, Alonso is strongly advocating for Xhaka, but Chelsea's opening offer of £8m was met with reluctance. The club is reportedly not keen to pay too much more for the midfielder, which could be a source of contention between Alonso and the club's hierarchy.
There are differing opinions on whether Chelsea should prioritize Alonso's wishes and sign Xhaka. On one hand, the club's current model is to sign top young players for a long-term project, which may not align with Alonso's views on Xhaka. On the other hand, allowing a new manager to come in and shape the team's direction can be beneficial in the short term.
Chelsea's recent history of chopping and changing players and managers suggests that stability is a major issue for the club. If Alonso is unable to deliver Xhaka, it could damage his relationship with the club and raise questions about his ability to lead the team.
Ultimately, the decision to sign Xhaka will depend on Alonso's ability to convince the club's hierarchy of his vision for the team. If he can demonstrate that Xhaka is a vital part of his project, it may be worth exploring a deal. However, if Alonso is unable to deliver on his promises, it could be a sign of deeper problems at the club.
It remains to be seen whether Alonso will be able to persuade Chelsea to sign Xhaka, but one thing is certain: the club's hierarchy will be closely watching the situation to ensure that Alonso's wishes align with their own long-term plans.
