Chelsea Football Club has taken a significant step in the summer transfer window by submitting a £26 million offer for Sunderland's midfielder Granit Xhaka. This move has been personally requested by new manager Xabi Alonso, who previously managed Xhaka during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.

After a challenging season that saw Chelsea miss out on Champions League qualification, the club is under pressure to strengthen its squad. Alonso's arrival has brought hope for a turnaround, and the club is keen to support him with new signings that align with his tactical vision. The bid for Xhaka is part of this effort to refresh the team.

Xhaka was a standout performer for Sunderland last season, earning the title of 'best player' and winning the club's player of the season award. His experience and leadership qualities are seen as vital assets that could help Chelsea regain its competitive edge in the Premier League.

Despite the bid, it remains uncertain whether Sunderland will accept such an offer for their key player. The club had a successful campaign last season, qualifying for European football after being promoted, largely thanks to Xhaka's contributions.

In addition to the bid for Xhaka, Chelsea is reportedly finalizing a deal for Atalanta wing-back Marco Pelestra, marking the beginning of their summer spending spree. The club has focused on acquiring young talent in recent years, but the need for experienced players has become increasingly apparent, especially given their disciplinary issues on the pitch.

As Chelsea navigates this transfer window, the addition of a player like Xhaka could not only bolster the squad's experience but also enhance team dynamics, helping to elevate the performance of younger players around him.