Chelsea join race to sign Manchester City top target, with Arsenal keeping tabs on transfer situation: Reports

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester City and Arsenal target Abdukodir Khusanov for a move in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old central defender currently plays his football for Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens, where he's contracted till the summer of 2027.

The news about the interest in the Uzbekistan international comes from a report by Graeme Bailey of TBR Football (via The Hard Tackle). It is reported that there are a number of other Premier League sides after the young defender, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

The aforementioned report also adds that the player's French employers may be willing to let go of Khusanov in order to raise funds in the current transfer window. It is claimed that Lens are looking to secure £25 million, including add-ons, to sell the centre-back.

A move to the Premier League would be a massive step up in the youngster's career. With Chelsea or Arsenal, he could get the opportunity to compete for the Premier League title this campaign. The Gunners are currently second in the league table, while the Blues are fourth, with four points separating the two.

However, he is unlikely to break into the first XI at the Emirates, with Gabriel and William Saliba being the undoubted starters in under Arteta. However, there may be an opportunity to feature in Chelsea's starting line-ups due to injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

This season, Khusanov has made 16 appearances across competitions for Lens, bagging an assist in the process.

---

Chelsea star pushing for January move, Arsenal seen as a potential destination- Reports

Christopher Nkunku

Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku is reportedly pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window. This is as per a report from CaughtOffSide, which claims that the France international sees Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as potential destinations.

A large part of the 27-year-old's wishes to step away from west London stem from the limited role he has played under new boss Enzo Maresca. While Nkunku has made 18 appearances in the Premier League, most of them have come from the bench, and he's enjoyed just 390 minutes of action.

The former RB Leipzig star is versatile and can play across the front three and as a number 10. Given that Arsenal are struggling to nail down a first choice on the left flank, a move to Emirates may not be the worst idea for Nkunku.