Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in 3-horse race to sign 20-year-old Ligue 1 starlet: Reports 

Chelsea are reportedly set to face competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the signing of RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov. This is according to a report from Foot Mercato, who say that another Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur, are also in the race for the 20-year-old centre-back.

As per this publication, Khusanov's current employers value him at €20 million. The move will certainly help build greater depth in the defensive department at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have struggled with fitness woes over some of their defenders. Players like Reece James and Wesley Fofana have constantly struggled for regular minutes, with both stars injured at the moment.

However, there will be a significant amount of competition for the Uzbekistan international if he is to join Chelsea. Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo are the options that the Blues possess in the centre-back department.

Even with these stars to contend with, Khusanov may be tempted by a move to west London, given how the club are performing. Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League standings, level on points with second-placed Arsenal.

On the other hand, it is said that PSG are seriously considering a move for the defender, who is contracted with Lens till the summer of 2027. The Parisians are seemingly looking to replace a troubled Milan Skriniar at the Parc des Princes.

To date, Khusanov has made 28 senior appearances across competitions for Lens but has yet to score his first goal for the club.

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Enzo Maresca provides update on Chelsea defender's injury

Wesley Fofana

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shared a worrying update about the fitness of Wesley Fofana following the Blues' 3-0 win against Aston Villa (December 1). The centre-back suffered a hamstring problem after starting the aforementioned tie.

He was forced off in the 60th minute and was replaced by Benoit Badiashile. Speaking about the extent of Fofana's injury, Maresca said post-match (via 90 min):

"Unfortunately it is bad news. It is a hamstring problem and these kind of things usually require at least three, four or five weeks, but in this moment that means we lose him for ten or 12 games."

"The way he was playing, it's a big loss for us, but we have more players and we will try to find a solution."

Fofana has started 12 of Chelsea's 13 Premier League matches this campaign. This injury adds to the Frenchman's fitness woes after he missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season.