Chelsea have identified Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov as a primary target for the January transfer window, according to reports.
Chelsea eye January swoop for Man City defender Abdukodir Khusanov
The Blues are desperate to address their defensive frailties after a disastrous start to the season.
New head coach Xabi Alonso has watched his side leak goals at an alarming rate.
Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in just five Premier League matches the worst defensive record in the division.
Despite spending £348.09m on new additions like Morgan Rogers over the summer, the London club remains vulnerable at the back.
While Chelsea’s attack, featuring Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Rogers, has clicked well, the defence continues to undermine their campaign.
Reports from Caught Offside suggest the club is now “keeping a close eye” on Khusanov ahead of the winter window.
The Uzbekistan international recently signed a new five-year contract at the Etihad in July, calling it a “great day” for his family.
However, the report indicates that his status as a regular starter remains uncertain. This has alerted Chelsea, who view the 20-year-old as the ideal reinforcement to shore up their backline.
At least three other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation. Khusanov has featured in three of City’s five league fixtures this season.
Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana remains confident the defender will develop into one of the world’s best centre-backs within five years.
Chelsea’s hierarchy hopes to convince the young defender that a move to Stamford Bridge offers the regular first-team football he craves.
Alonso needs a reliable partner to stabilize his defence and rescue a season that is already slipping away.
A January bid for Khusanov appears increasingly likely as the Blues look to stop the rot.
