Sunderland Experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka is said to not be for sale following his arrival Chelsea entered into negotiations with the playerโs camp regarding a potential transfer.
The 33-year-old Swiss international, who is under contract until 2028, played a key role in the Black Catsโ qualification for the European competition last season.
It is believed his representatives have been in contact with Stamford Bridge, although sources within the club have yet to confirm this.
But he is understood to be open to a reunion with former coach Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, having won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
However, personal terms were not agreed with Chelsea.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League at Chelseaโs expense on the final day of last season and are understood to be under no financial pressure to sell key players. Club sources say they have no plans to let Xhaka go.
The former Arsenal man, who played for Switzerland at the World Cup, missed just four league games for the Wearside club and earned plenty of plaudits as he led Regis Le Brisโ side to seventh place.
For Chelsea, any successful move would involve a radical change in transfer policy, signing a player who turns 34 in September and has fielded the Premier Leagueโs youngest team for the past two seasons. During this period, they did not select a player aged 30 or older.
Members of the clubโs management, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge adjustments are needed to improve recruitment.
Some of the criticism has focused on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns about the dressing room culture that the former Arsenal captain was widely praised for helping build at newly promoted Sunderland last season.
A move for the midfielder has long been part of Chelseaโs plans this summer and comes amid growing expectations that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.
Chelsea have not received a formal offer for the Argentine international and value him at around ยฃ120 million. However, sources in Spain suggest there is internal support for the move at Real Madrid, including from club president Florentino Perez and new coach Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea are also set to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra while a number of players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusteau, Trevo Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, face uncertain futures.
Defender Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.