Sunderland are reported to have rejected a bid from Chelsea for midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the club insisting the player is not for sale. The report, including details from The Athletic, says Sunderland turned down an £8 million offer and communicated that Xhaka will remain with the team. The interest from Chelsea is linked to Xabi Alonso, Sunderland’s and Xhaka’s former connection being tied to their time together at Bayer Leverkusen, where Xhaka played under Alonso. Sky Sports also frames the situation as Xhaka not being available despite Chelsea’s interest. The Mirror similarly reports that the £8 million proposal was rejected and emphasizes Sunderland’s stance that they will not sell their star. Across the coverage, the central points remain consistent: Chelsea makes a bid, Sunderland does not accept it, and Xhaka is expected to stay, with Alonso’s familiarity with the player cited as a driver of Chelsea’s pursuit.