Chelsea’s attempts to sign Granit Xhaka for just £8m seem strange – but there is an explanation if you look a little deeper.
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Chelsea’s attempts to sign Granit Xhaka got underway last weekend, and their slightly derisory opening offer of £8m has had a predictably bad reaction from fans and local journalists.
James Copley of the Echo had some interesting takes on the deal – he noted that selling at £8m would actually mean a PSR hit for Sunderland. There’s no way they would accept that, which is pretty logical.
Chelsea may be trying sneaky game with their manager
He also claims that Alonso told Chelsea he wanted Xhaka in the early stages of their talks. After promising their new manager exceptional new powers in terms of transfers, the club have to do their best to sign the former Arsenal man… or at least to appear to do their best.
The leading theory now is that Chelsea are making big public attempts to sign Xhaka to keep Alonso happy – but while also knowing that their low-ball offers won’t ever be accepted.
It’s a risky game, which could end up frustrating both Sunderland and Alonso if they play it badly.
In other news…
Cole Palmer’s World Cup exclusion could inspire him to get back to his best says a former Chelsea player.
Chelsea’s defensive sales are going to be a big feature of this summer – and so far there is worrying little progress on most of them.
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