{"id":5951,"date":"2026-09-24T13:32:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=5951"},"modified":"2026-09-24T13:32:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:32:11","slug":"chelsea-plot-enzo-maresca-revenge-with-raid-for-man-city-star-hes-one-of-the-best-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=5951","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea plot Enzo Maresca revenge with raid for Man City star, he’s ‘one of the best in the world’"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea need to improve defensively. A total of 12 goals conceded in five Premier League games is not good enough, and one solution is to sign a new defender. A Man City star is being targeted.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While Chelsea<\/a> fans can take confidence from Alonso\u2019s<\/a> first few games as Leverkusen manager, it is still a problem that requires fixing. Conceding 12 goals in five games is not good enough for the top four.<\/p>\n

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Alonso has to decide if he wants to move forward with his current defensive options, having brought in Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria in the summer. More signings could arrive in January.<\/p>\n

Chelsea place Man City defender on January shortlist<\/h2>\n

Alonso may decide that more strengthening is required in the winter window, and Man City\u2019s Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged as a possible target. The Uzbekistan star has made a solid impression at City.<\/p>\n

Able to play right-back, at centre-back, and probably all three roles in the back three, Khusanov would certainly fit at Chelsea. According to Live Score,<\/a> Chelsea are keeping tabs on the defender\u2019s game time.<\/p>\n

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Our Chelsea player ratings for the season so far \u2013 tell us who’s impressed you most, and least? \ud83d\udc40<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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A \u00a334m signing from Ligue 1 side Lens, Khusanov has become renowned in the Premier League for his speed at the back, his versatility and his tough-tackling qualities. Perfect for Alonso\u2019s Chelsea defence.<\/p>\n

Raiding City for one of their most exciting talents would see Chelsea get some revenge on City for the loss of Enzo Maresca and Enzo Fernandez. Whether City will do business with Chelsea is unclear.<\/p>\n

What Hugo Viana said about target Abdukodir Khusanov<\/h2>\n

Chelsea have options in central defence. Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, even Aaron Anselmino when he returns from injury. Plenty of options \u2013 but are they good enough?<\/p>\n

Jorrel Hato was blasted as \u201cterrible\u201d by Paul Merson<\/a>; Lacroix has earned criticism from Chelsea fans, and Palestra is yet to make his competitive debut. According to Hugo Viana, Khusanov is an improvement.<\/p>\n

Man City\u2019s sporting director recently said on City\u2019s website<\/a>: \u201cWe\u2019ve been really happy with him. He\u2019s still developing, still has to learn, and we feel sure he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

City are not going to let Khusanov go on the cheap, especially with the defender having just signed a new contract in the summer. But if Khusanov\u2019s struggles for game time continue, a loan may be possible.<\/p>\n

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