Real Madrid to battle Manchester City and Chelsea for €25m-rated Ligue 1 breakout star: Reports

Real Madrid are locked in a three-way battle with Manchester City and Chelsea for the services of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, according to Foot Mercato. The LaLiga champions are looking for defensive reinforcements this year amid Eder Militao's injury concerns.

The Brazilian has suffered two ACL injuries in 18 months and is currently out for the rest of the ongoing campaign. Meanwhile, David Alaba also ruptured his ACL in December 2023 and is yet to make his return.

Los Blancos are scouting the market for options and have added Khusanov to their wish list. Real Madrid have targeted talented young footballers in recent transfer windows and the 20-year-old fits the bill.

Khusanov joined Lens in 2023 and has been very impressive so far. He has registered 16 appearances across competitions this season, 13 of which have been starts.

His efforts have earned him admirers at Chelsea and Manchester City as well, and Lens could have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the player. The French club are under financial constraints and are apparently open to the young defender's departure.

Lens have reportedly set a €25m asking price for the player, which won't be a problem for any of his suitors. The Blues have invested in some of the best young footballers in the planet of late and Khusanov could serve them well.

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Are Chelsea eyeing a Real Madrid footballer?

Abdukodir Khusanov

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, according to recent reports (via Madrid Universal). The French midfielder joined the LaLiga champions in the summer of 2022, but has struggled to live up to expectations.

Los Blancos are apparently ready to cash in on the 24-year-old this summer. Real Madrid want a new controller in midfielder and are apparently planning to raise funds for the move by offloading Tchouameni.

While the player hasn't lit up the Santiago Bernabeu of late, his stock remains high. Chelsea are apparently eyeing the player with interest, along with Liverpool.

The Blues are reportedly looking for a new deep-lying midfielder amid Romeo Lavia's prolonged injury woes. The London giants have set their sights on Tchouameni for the job.

The Frenchman is under contract with Real Madrid until 2028 and is likely to cost a fair fee. However, Chelsea haven't been afraid to break the bank in recent windows and could repeat the trick this year. Tchouameni could be open to a move to get his career back on track.