Chelsea eye Man City defender Abdukodir Khusanov for January

Chelsea are reported to be watching Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of the January window, after conceding 12 goals in their first five Premier League games.

The claim comes from CaughtOffside and was picked up by the Evening Standard, Yahoo Sports and Football Insider. Chelsea conceded at least two in every one of those matches, losing to Arsenal and Brentford and drawing at home with newly promoted Hull. That came despite summer signings in defence: Marco Palestra, Pep Chavarria and Maxence Lacroix, who joined in August and has not yet scored.

Khusanov, 22 by Yahoo's count and 23 by Football Insider's, signed a new City contract recently. CaughtOffside says it remains to be seen whether he will be an automatic starter under Enzo Maresca. Three other Premier League clubs are also understood to be options for him.

Football Insider reports that City would prefer a loan to a permanent sale, and that either would upset supporters who want to see more of the Uzbekistan international. By its account, he has come a long way since a debut in January 2025 in which he was substituted before the hour after giving away a goal and being booked. City are top of the Premier League.

The Evening Standard adds that Chelsea are also discussing central midfield options for January, with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and a player named Scott the two main names. Chelsea did not replace Enzo Fernández on deadline day.

If City do open the door on a loan, Chelsea's interest may come down to how many minutes Khusanov gets before the window opens. Regular starts at the Etihad would make a move harder to justify for either side.