Monaco eye talks on Adingra fee as Chelsea assess injuries before key Sunderland visit
Granit Xhaka congratulated Arsenal on their Premier League title and praised Mikel Arteta, posting: “this is all because of you, Mikel.” He reflected on his Arsenal spell and later reasons for moving to Bayer Leverkusen before eventually joining Sunderland.
Sunderland could revive a summer move for a target they bid for last year, a player Gary Lineker has described as “special.”
Sunderland and Aston Villa have enquired about Eljif Elmas, who is set to leave RB Leipzig after a loan at Napoli. With the player keen on Champions League football, Villa are favourites, and a fee around €17m could secure a deal.
Sunderland rallied from a goal down to win 3-1 at Everton, with Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fée and Wilson Isidor scoring, boosting belief before Chelsea and keeping European hopes alive under Régis Le Bris.
Sunderland’s away campaign featured standout results, including victory at Chelsea, a derby win at Newcastle and the 3-1 comeback at Everton, with 21 away points underpinning their European push.
In May 1955, Sunderland pursued Leeds United star John Charles, with Harry Kirtley touted as a potential makeweight. Kirtley instead joined Cardiff City and the move collapsed.
Chelsea are hopeful Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro could be available for Sunday’s game at Sunderland, with their fitness to be assessed closer to kick-off. Reece James is also being managed carefully after injury. A win would secure European qualification.
Switzerland have named Zeki Amdouni in their World Cup squad despite limited minutes, with captain Granit Xhaka of Sunderland leading a 26-man group that includes Manuel Akanji and Denis Zakaria.
Monaco want to keep Sunderland loanee Simon Adingra after three goals and two assists, but consider his €17m purchase option high and plan talks to find a workable solution. His market value is cited at around €25m.
