Chelsea Football Club is exploring the possibility of signing Granit Xhaka, the 33-year-old midfielder currently playing for Sunderland. The interest stems from Xhaka's previous working relationship with Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, who coached him at Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka's experience and proven track record in the Premier League make him an attractive option for Chelsea as they look to bolster their squad.

Despite Chelsea's interest, there has been no formal contact between the clubs, and Sunderland is not open to selling the midfielder at this time. Xhaka has been instrumental for Sunderland, helping the team not only avoid relegation but also qualify for the Europa League. He made 34 league appearances last season, contributing one goal and six assists.

Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million last summer and has since become a key player for the team. His previous experience includes a successful seven-season stint at Arsenal, where he made 297 appearances and scored 23 goals. As he approaches his 34th birthday in September, Chelsea is likely to be cautious in their valuation, aiming not to overpay for an aging player.

In addition to Xhaka, Chelsea is also looking at other potential signings, including Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who recently underwent a medical ahead of his transfer. The club is actively seeking to enhance its squad with experienced players as it prepares for the upcoming season.