^ ^ ‘I like everything about it’ – Joe Cole talks up Chelsea transfer move for ex-Arsenal star

Granit Xhaka would bring invaluable experience and leadership to Chelsea, says Joe Cole (Picture: Getty)

Joe Cole says Granit Xhaka would be the ‘right character’ for the Chelsea dressing room and the club’s move for the midfielder is a ‘good sign’ that ‘positive strides’ are being made in the transfer market.

The Blues appear to have moved away from their purely youth-led transfer policy and have set their sights on Xhaka, with new manager Xabi Alonso believed to be at the heart of a bid to sign the 33-year-old.

Xhaka of course played for Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, enjoying great success under the Spaniard as the pair won a historic Bundesliga title together after an undefeated 2023/24 campaign.

The former Arsenal captain returned to the Premier League to join Sunderland last summer, earning himself plenty more admirers with his outstanding performances for the Black Cats.

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Reports emanating out of Germany at the weekend indicated that Chelsea had reached a verbal agreement with Xhaka’s camp, with the Switzerland international keen to secure a switch to Stamford Bridge.

However, Sunderland are reluctant to lose arguably their most important squad member and Chelsea bosses know they have a battle on their hands in prising the central midfielder away from the Stadium of Light.

It’s understood Chelsea’s opening offer of £8million for Xhaka was swiftly rejected by their Premier League rivals. It remains to be seen if the Club World Cup holders will return with a follow-up bid.

Chelsea saw an opening bid of £8m for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland (Picture: Getty)

The midfielder is currently away on international duty at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

‘Going after Xhaka is a good sign for Chelsea fans because it shows that the handcuffs of only signing young players and developing them are now off, ex-Chelsea and England winger Cole told Paddy Power.

‘It seems they’re making good positive strides. He seems like the right character for the dressing room.

‘He did a great job at Sunderland last year. He was brilliant at Bayer Leverkusen. He was even a leader at Arsenal.

‘I like the fact that they’re backing Xabi Alonso. I like everything about it.’

Xhaka enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Sunderland last term (Picture: Getty)

Though Cole doubts Xhaka would be a guaranteed starter at Chelsea, he is adamant the Swiss would bring invaluable ‘leadership’ to a dressing room which badly lacked experienced heads last season.

‘He played nearly every game for Leverkusen and Sunderland. Will he play every game at Chelsea?’ Cole added.

‘Will he still be a great leader if he isn’t on the pitch every game? I think he will. I certainly hope he will.

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‘He wouldn’t be starting ahead of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who for me are two of the best central midfielders in world football.

‘We’ll see if he ends up signing, but I like the fact that if he does, it is for sure a Xabi Alonso signing.’

Should Xhaka join Chelsea, he could be set to join forces with Caicedo and Fernandez in the centre of the park – widely regarded to be among the finest midfield pairings in English football.

Fernandez is reportedly keen to follow Cucurella to Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

However, there remains uncertainty over Fernandez’s future in west London, with the Argentina international opening criticising Chelsea’s hierarchy last season and reportedly pushing for a big-money transfer move to Real Madrid.

To rub further salt in the wound, Marc Cucurella has encouraged Fernandez to join him at Madrid having completed a move from Chelsea to the Bernabeu earlier this summer.

‘That’s not for me, what he’s done there,’ Cole said of Cucurella’s recent comments.

‘When you hear players doing stuff like that, I think it’s bang out of order.

‘He’s an intelligent man. He knows he’s poking the bear. There’s ways to handle yourself in these situations.

‘If you’re happy to sign a seven-year contract, you can’t then three years into the contract be openly flirting with another football club, regardless of who it is.

‘It’s not for me.’

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^ ^ World Cup: Germany & Netherlands Out On Pens

Germany and the Netherlands are both out of the World Cup after dramatic penalty shootout defeats.

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Raphael Honigstein to react to Germany's shock exit to Paraguay, ask where it all went wrong and discuss what comes next.

Humphrey Ker also drops by to talk Wrexham, life working across the UK and USA, and how he spotted Switzerland's John Manzambi a few years ago and wanted to sign him.

Plus, Brazil and Morocco book their place in the last 16 and Rick and Lloyd reflect on Cody Gakpo's emotional goal celebration for the Netherlands following a difficult week off the pitch.

^ ^ Who should take England’s penalties in a World Cup shootout?

Harry Kane had a penalty saved in England’s World Cup opener, but managed to score the retake (Photo: Getty)

England’s World Cup journey continues on Wednesday evening when they face DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta.

After three somewhat nervy group games, there is no more room for error as Thomas Tuchel’s team look to end 60 years of hurt in North America.

Now that the knockouts have begun, the Three Lions must prepare for the possibility of a penalty shootout, which will occur if the match finishes level after 90 minutes and then 30 minutes of extra-time.

England’s relationship with spot-kicks greatly improved under Gareth Southgate, winning three of their last four shootouts – the one defeat was, of course, against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

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But who will step up to the plate if the occasion arises? Betarades have crunched the numbers to work out who should – and who shouldn’t – volunteer for a World Cup penalty shootout…

Which England players should take a penalty?

Including shootouts, 18 of England’s 26-man squad have taken at least onepenalty during their senior careers for club and country.

Harry Kane will no doubt take the first penalty. The captain had one saved in the opening game against Croatia but was allowed to retake after an encroachment and second time round he made no mistake.

Anthony Gordon is statistically England’s strongest penalty taker (Photo: Getty)

Ivan Toney was a surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s squad but for good reason -the Al-Ahli star is a penalty specialist, renowned for his ice cold, ‘no look’ technique.

But surprisingly, there is another England player who boasts a better conversation rate from the spot, of those with a meaningful record: Anthony Gordon.

While his performances against Croatia and Ghana left a lot to be desired, the Barcelona winger has scored 16 of his 17 career penalties, a staggering 94 per cent success rate.

Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka missed in the Euro 2020 final but otherwise are strong from the spot. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham haven’t taken many penalties but almost always score when they do.

Reece James and Elliot Anderson are five out of five from the spot, but a lot will depend on who is still on the pitch after 120 minutes. Rice and Saka are struggling for fitness, James is sidelined and Jarell Quansah is an injury doubt.

Which England players should NOT take a penalty?

Eberechi Eze must be kept away from any penalty shootout (Photo: Getty)

Of those with meaningful records, Ollie Watkins is England’s worst penalty taker, with a rather woeful 56 per cent conversion rate.

Eberechi Eze says he would be happy to step up to the plate but has missed three of his last four, most notably firing wide in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to PSG.

Veteran Jordan Henderson was the only player to miss in the 2018 World Cup shootout win against Colombia, while Morgan Rogers has missed the only penalty of his career so far.

Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Dean Henderson and James Trafford have never taken a penalty in their career.

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^ ^ Gary Neville fears Arsenal World Cup star ‘doesn’t look right at all’

Gary Neville believes Thomas Tuchel has some major selection headaches to contend with ahead of England’s next game (Picture: Getty)

Gary Neville fears Thomas Tuchel will have to consider taking one of his most reliable attacking players out of the firing line for England’s next World Cup match against DR Congo.

The Three Lions qualified for the knockout stages with a minimum of fuss, collecting seven points from three games and ending their Group L campaign with an ultimately routine 2-0 win against Panama.

Fitness concerns over a number of key players is, however, beginning to represent a genuine cause for concern with tougher tests ahead.

Midfield linchpin Declan Rice was rested from Saturday night’s game, while Reece James isn’t expected back until the quarter finals as England attempt to manage his hamstring strain.

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Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, started his first game of the competition against Panama having made cameo appearances off the bench in the previous meetings with Croatia and Ghana.

The Arsenal winger struggled to make an impact against limited opponents and was described as ‘arrogant and ignorant’ by former Watford striker Troy Deeney.

Saka’s form for England has mirrored the performances for his club over the course of the last few months which culminated in another subdued display in the Champions League final against PSG.

Bukayo Saka was taken off after 63 minutes against Panama (Picture: Getty)

And Neville fears Saka’s condition means he cannot be risked against England’s next opponents given his long-standing Achilles issue.

‘Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,’ Neville said.

‘He’s usually the boy that’s bubbling and smiling, he’s got that competitive edge to him, but he’s not right and that’s a concern to us I think.’

Those sentiments were echoed by Ian Wright, with the Arsenal legend questioning whether Saka has been ‘rushed back’ for the World Cup.

‘We’re going into a World Cup, and still not starting the first few games, only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know – this guy needs a break,’ Wright said.

Bukayo Saka is nursing a hamstring injury (Picture: Getty)

Tuchel’s other options in the wide positions have hardly covered themselves in glory so far, with Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon making only limited impacts.

I can’t remember too many tournaments where you’re feeling like you’re on the edge, I feel like that’s normal,’ Wright said.

‘But there are a lot of people [in the England squad] who are not up to speed.

‘Our wingers, and the way we depend on the wingers are not doing well enough.’

Roy Keane, meanwhile, added: ‘The wingers need to grab their opportunity. These players [wingers] haven’t quite grabbed their opportunity yet.

‘In the group games, you can maybe slip up in one of them, but now at least one of them has to start turning up.’

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^ ^ World Cup: César Azpilicueta on Yamal, Dechamps & Tuchel

Former Chelsea and Spain captain César Azpilicueta talks to Steve Crossman about playing with a young Lamine Yamal, his time at Chelsea with Reece James and Thomas Tuchel, and his early years at Marseille working under Didier Dechamps.

TIMECODES: 05:21 – Working with Didier Dechamps at Marseille 12:45 – Lamine Yamal 21:08 – Reece James 23:57 – Thomas Tuchel

^ ^ Chelsea enter race to sign £60m star ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal

Chelsea have entered the competitive transfer race (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the race to sign Alex Scott after Bournemouth reduced their asking price for the midfielder.

The Blues are working on a number of summer deals as Xabi Alonso prepares to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Italy international Marco Palestra looks set to become Alonso’s first summer signing after Chelsea agreed a £51m deal with Atalanta for the right-back.

Chelsea identified Palestra as a top target as they are open to offers for Malo Gusto and braced for an approach from Manchester City, who have appointed ex-Stamford Bridge boss Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s replacement.

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There has also been movement on the left-hand side of Chelsea’s defence with Marc Cucurella getting his desired move and joining Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

Trevoh Chalobah could follow Cucurella out of Chelsea amid interest from Cesc Fabregas’ Como, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix lined up as an upgrade.

Chelsea have also been linked with a number of midfielders as Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120m, continues to push for a move away.

Bournemouth star Alex Scott (Picture: Getty)

England World Cup star Morgan Rogers has been considered by the west London club, who have also entered the race to sign Bournemouth’s Scott.

Scott, 22, enjoyed another impressive season on the south coast, playing all but one of Bournemouth’s league games as they finished sixth, qualifying for Europe.

Manchester United have identified Scott as a possible target as they look to bolster Michael Carrick’s options in midfield following Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s horror injury.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)

Premier League champions Arsenal are also believed to be admirers of Scott as they took look to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s title-winning midfield.

But talkSPORT say Chelsea intend to rival Manchester United and Arsenal for Scott, just days after it was reported that Bournemouth had reduced their asking price.

Bournemouth were believed to be demanding at least £80m for the highly-rated midfielder earlier in the summer but the Daily Mail says a figure of around £60m is now possible.

Man Utd admire the Bournemouth midfielder (Picture: Getty)

It has also been reported that while Tottenham are also fans of Scott, Manchester United and Arsenal are the two ‘frontrunners’ to secure his signature.

Scott was close to making England’s World Cup squad but was ultimately overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

Manchester City’s imminent £116m deal for Elliot Anderson has reduced the options for clubs hoping to sign a top-class midfielder this summer.

Elliot Anderson is joining Manchester City for £116m (Picture: Getty)

Ex-England striker Darren Bent recently urged Arsenal to win the race to sign Scott, claiming he could be better value than England World Cup star Anderson.

‘Elliot Anderson for £120m or Alex Scott for £60m, I’m taking Alex Scott all day, every day. There’s no way on the planet that Elliot Anderson is £60m better than Alex Scott, he’s just not,’ Bent told talkSPORT.

‘I like Elliot Anderson, I think he’s a top player but for that money, £120 million is crazy. He’s been decent [at the World Cup] but not £120m. Alex Scott for £60m, I promise you now if I had the choice.’

In a separate show, Bent added: ‘This is where transfer fees are crazy. Elliot Anderson is brilliant but I’m saying he’s not £40m better than Alex Scott.

‘If he comes to Arsenal, I’m just not sure where he plays because you’ve got [Martin] Zubimendi who is the holder, or [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, then you have [Declan] Rice as the No.8.

‘You know what though, I’d take him at Arsenal because he’ll get so many minutes. He’s a top player and, you never know, he can force his way in.

‘He has had a wonderful season but I always think it’s that next level. Going to play for Arsenal or Manchester United, when you’re in the Champions League and all these different various competitions, the expectation goes through the roof.’

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^ ^ The two reasons ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka wants to complete shock Chelsea transfer

Granit Xhaka is angling for a move to Chelsea from Sunderland (Picture: Getty)

Granit Xhaka will continue to push for a move to Chelsea with personal terms already ‘guaranteed’.

The 33-year-old midfielder has emerged as a shock target for the Blues who are looking to add more experience to a squad that floundered baddly last season.

BlueCo appear ready to admit the mistakes that have undermined their attempts to arm various managers with squads capable of competing for major trophies.

The likes of Enzo Maresca, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino have all struggled to keep pace with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool as a consequence of a strategy that has relied upon recruiting Europe and South America’s best emerging talent.

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Upon appointing Xabi Alonso as Liam Rosenior’s permanent replacement, the Spaniard was notably given the title of manager rather than head coachfollowing his insistence that he be heavily involved in player recruitment.

Complementing Chelsea’s best young players with seasoned Premier League performers represents a priority for the latest man in the Chelsea hot seat.

A deal to sign Crystal Palace’s France international centre-half Maxence Lacroix appears to be progressing well, while Xhaka would add vast knowhow to a midfield engine room that could well be losing Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid.

Granit Xhaka and Xabi Alonso won the Bundesliga together at Bayer Leverkusen (Picture: Getty)

According to Fabrizio Romano, Xhaka wants to be reunited with Alonso at Stamford Bridge given the success they enjoyed together at Bayer Leverkusen where they helped the club win a first Bundesliga title, dethroning Bayern Munich in the process.

Moreover, Xhaka is keen to relocate his young family to London where he spent seven years as an Arsenal player, several as club captain, having spent last season at Sunderland.

Xhaka captain the Black Cats during their first season back in the top flightin eight years and helped secure unlikely European qualification, ironically after they beat Chelsea at home on the final day of an uplifting campaign.

Granit Xhaka captained Sunderland last season (Picture: Getty)

Granit Xhaka spent seven years as an Arsenal player (Picture: Getty)

After that match, Xhaka addressed the Sunderland fans and claimed ‘it was only the start’ but he now appears determined to renege on that promise and sign for Chelsea.

Sunderland, however, will not part with the veteran midfielder, who is currently playing for Switzerland at the World Cup, without a fight.

Xhaka joined Sunderland last summer in a £13million deal and with two years left on his contract they will at least hope to make their money back, if not a significant profit.

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