Chelsea have taken a major step toward reinforcing their engine room options after reportedly reaching a comprehensive verbal agreement with experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The 33 year old Switzerland international is understood to have indicated a strong preference to join up with incoming head coach Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, setting the stage for formal negotiations with Sunderland.
Alonso has made a total midfield refresh his absolute primary objective for the summer trading window, recognizing that his young squad requires a commanding, vocal anchor to execute his fluid passing philosophy next season.
Xhaka provides an abundance of top flight experience following his highly successful previous tenure in North London with Arsenal, offering the precise tactical maturity craved by the Chelsea hierarchy.
Sunderland are understood to be open to evaluating the offer for the veteran playmaker to generate extra transfer capital for their own recruitment plans
