Chelsea are reportedly among four clubs weighing up a January move for Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, though a switch looks highly improbable given the Uzbekistan international's growing importance at the Etihad Stadium.
The magnificence of Abdukodir Khusanov
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Abdukodir Khusanov has become a valued member of the Manchester City squad since his move from Lens in January 2025, developing into a physically imposing, athletic centre-back with obvious potential to reach the very top of the game.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the 22-year-old has started five matches so far this season at centre-back and on the right side of a back four, whilst City continue to hold him in high regard - and that promise has seemingly not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
That is the claim within the latest line of reporting in some quarters, the young defender is now on the radar of several clubs - including a Premier League rival desperate to shore up a leaky back line.
Chelsea see Abdukodir Khusanov as 'great fit"
Now, according to the latest edition of The Daily Briefing, Chelsea view Abdukodir Khusanov as a 'great fit for their system', with it suggested that Xabi Alonso could even firm up interest with a formal offer for the Uzbekistan international as early as January.
The interest stems from Chelsea's woeful defensive form in the opening matches and first few weeks of the brand new campaign, which has sparked a hunt for reinforcements at the back.
In Khusanov, the West London side seemingly see a defender whose pace and power could help address such issues, and one still young enough to grow into a fixture for years to come at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa are also mentioned in the same report as a possible suitor for Khusanov, and they have similarly struggled to keep goals out for much of the season so far.
On paper, the appeal of a centre-back who has already shown plenty of proof of his high ceiling in the Premier League is not hard to grasp - particularly for a side leaking goals and short on athleticism in the heart of defence.
Of course, why Manchester City would want to let such a player go is a very different question.
Everton and Bournemouth are the other clubs name-checked as interested parties, but those links are perhaps even more puzzling given that Abdukodir Khusanov seems to have already proven his worth at UEFA Champions League level.
Why a Manchester City exit looks unlikely
Prising Abdukodir Khusanov away from Manchester City would not be easy, with the Uzbek having already nailed down a regular role in Enzo Maresca's side this season, and there is little to suggest the club harbour any intention of parting with a player they value so highly.
Director of Football Hugo Viana only recently underlined Manchester City's stance on the player, tipping Khusanov to become one of the finest defenders around when speaking during a recent club interview.
“He's still developing, has to learn and we feel sure he can be one of the best centre backs in the world,” Viana said. And with that level of belief invested in him behind the scenes, a mid-season switch to a direct rival would represent a startling change of plan.
At a stretch, should Abdukodir Khusanov's progress stall or minutes dry up further down the line, it is possible to see how the situation could shift. But as things stand, with the defender featuring regularly and City's hierarchy talking him up, the club has every reason to hold on to a player they are convinced is only just getting started.