Xhaka, 33, played a central role in Sunderland's seventh-place Premier League finish last season and their qualification for European football. He missed just four league games for the Wearside club and captained Regis Le Bris' side throughout, winning widespread praise for his leadership in a newly promoted squad.
His representatives are understood to have had contact from Chelsea, though sources inside Sunderland have yet to confirm it. Xhaka is known to be open to a reunion with former manager Xabi Alonso, having won the Bundesliga together with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024. Personal terms with Chelsea have not been agreed.
Any move would represent a significant shift in the London club's recruitment policy. Chelsea have fielded the youngest squad in the Premier League for the past two seasons and have not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. Xhaka will turn 34 in September.
Members of the club's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, have acknowledged that adjustments are needed in how they recruit. Some of the criticism of recent seasons has centred on a perceived lack of leadership and dressing-room culture — precisely the qualities Xhaka has been credited with instilling at Sunderland.
Sunderland qualified for Europe at Chelsea's expense on the final day of last season and face no financial pressure to sell. Sources at the club are unambiguous — Xhaka stays. Whether Chelsea are willing to test that resolve with a formal bid remains the outstanding question.
Sunderland's firm stance makes a swift resolution unlikely.