Man City player’s stance on joining Chelsea has been revealed with Xabi Alonso ‘eager’
Chelsea may have to dip into the January transfer window to sort their defensive problems with a Man City player now a key target. But the Blues are going to struggle to get their way.
Chelsea fans were full of optimism after the first few games of the season, but after a draw against Hull and a loss at Brentford, Blues supporters have been left questioning the credentials of Xabi Alonso’s side.
Alonso has failed to plug the leak in Chelsea’s defence, with the Blues now 21 games without keeping a Premier League clean sheet. A total of 12 Premier League goals conceded; reinforcements are required.
Man City defender’s stance on Chelsea move revealed
It has been reported this week that Chelsea are considering new options ahead of the January window, and one player under consideration is Man City’s Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov.
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Khusanov has caught the eye at Man City since his move from Lens, known for his defensive speed and his tough-tackling approach. Able to play anywhere across the back line, Chelsea want to sign him.
His lack of game time this season has convinced Chelsea there may be a chance of doing a deal. Caught Offside editor Mark Brus, however, says that Khusanov has no intention of leaving Enzo Maresca’s side.
“Understand Khusanov is highly appreciated by Chelsea. Player not pushing to leave City, but Chelsea are eager to strengthen defence after a shaky start,” Brus reported on X after the initial links with Khusanov.
Is Khusanov any better than Chelsea’s current defenders?
The 22-year-old boasts huge potential, and he would provide Alonso with an option that can play in any of the three defensive centre-back roles, or at full-back. But is he any better than what Chelsea have?
| 2025-26 per 90 | Abdukodir Khusanov | Wesley Fofana | Maxence Lacroix | Levi Colwill |
| Club (2025–26) | Man City | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Chelsea |
| Matches Played (Starts) | 18 (14) | 25 (24) | 35 (35) | 24 (22) |
| Tackles Won | 0.95 | 1.04 | 1.32 | 1.21 |
| Interceptions | 1.85 | 2.08 | 1.65 | 2.01 |
| Clearances | 4.20 | 6.67 | 5.80 | 5.62 |
| Shots Blocked | 0.85 | 1.12 | 1.05 | 1.21 |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 61.5% | 64.2% | 63.8% | 66.0% |
| Pass Completion % | 92.4% | 88.1% | 83.6% | 89.5% |
| Progressive Passes | 4.10 | 3.25 | 2.90 | 4.85 |
| Fouls Committed | 0.88 | 1.41 | 0.99 | 0.40 |
| Discipline (Yellow / Red) | 2Y / 0R | 8Y / 2R | 5Y / 1R | 3Y / 0R |
The data above shows Khusanov’s stats per 90 in the Premier League compared to Chelsea’s best three centre-backs, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana from last season. He hardly stands out.
Indeed, the only metric in which Khusanov is better than Chelsea’s defenders is his passing success rate, and that is largely because he played under Pep Guardiola. His discipline record is also slightly better.
But on the stats that mean something – tackles, duels, interceptions, blocks, clearances etc. – Khusanov actually comes off worse than Chelsea’s current options. A good signing, but not an improvement.
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