With Chelsea conceding 12 goals in five league games under Xabi Alonso, the club is reportedly watching Manchester City’s 22-year-old Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov as a possible defensive option for January.
Chelsea are in a monitoring phase on Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of the January window.
Khusanov is a 22-year-old Uzbekistan international who joined Manchester City in January 2025 after spells in Belarus and France.
Chelsea’s defensive struggles early in Xabi Alonso’s tenure — 12 goals conceded in five league matches — are the likely trigger for interest.
# What happened Chelsea have begun closely watching Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as a possible target for the January transfer window. The interest is at the monitoring stage, according to reporting that cites CaughtOffside and Football Transfer Tavern coverage.
# Why Chelsea are looking Chelsea's season start under manager Xabi Alonso has been inconsistent. Through five Premier League matches they have two wins, two defeats and a draw, and they have conceded 12 goals — the highest total in the division at that point. That defensive record has put pressure on Alonso and the club to consider reinforcements.
# Who is Abdukodir Khusanov Khusanov is a 22-year-old Uzbekistan international who began his senior career in Belarus with Energetik-BGU, developed further in France with Lens, and moved to Manchester City in January 2025. Guardiola has reportedly described him as "special." Since joining City he has been introduced gradually to top-level English football and has shown attributes that attracted City to sign him: pace, physicality and defensive aggression.
# Transfer context and obstacles At Manchester City Khusanov does not yet appear to be an automatic starter. That uncertainty is what has drawn external interest. Chelsea are not alone: reporting says three other Premier League clubs are also monitoring him. City invested in Khusanov with long-term development in mind, so they are unlikely to sell lightly. Chelsea's interest is conditional: it may become a concrete pursuit only if the Blues' defensive problems persist into the winter and City becomes open to selling or loaning the player.
# How this could play out
# Immediate practical takeaway for readers
# Bottom line Chelsea are tracking a young, highly regarded Manchester City defender as insurance against continued defensive problems. Any transfer depends on Khusanov's playing time at City and whether Manchester City choose to engage in talks, with at least three Premier League clubs reportedly also interested.
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