Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on signing 21-year-old Russian international Aleksey Batrakov from Galatasaray next year.

According to a report by Turkish outlet Sporx, Chelsea and Manchester United will dispatch scouts to watch Aleksey Batrakov in action for Galatasaray against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League later this month. The two Premier League giants are eager to bolster their offensive units by signing a creative player next year.

Per Sporx, Chelsea and Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Batrakov but could not sign him in the summer transfer window due to sanctions. However, after his move to Turkiye, the Premier League clubs have the opportunity to secure his services.

Who is Aleksey Batrakov?

Aleksey Batrakov is the latest promising prospect from his homeland to rise in prominence. Born in Orekhovo-Zuevo in Moscow, the youngster spent his formative years in Russia, rising through the ranks at Lokomotiv Moscow before breaking into the club’s first-team squad. The 21-year-old was exceptional in the 2025/26 season, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

The Russian playmaker’s exploits piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, and Galatasaray signed him in the summer. He has already made five appearances for the Turkish Super Lig champions, proving an assist. The youngster’s continued progress has provoked widespread interest, particularly from the Premier League.

A man in demand

As iterated earlier, Chelsea showed interest in Aleksey Batrakov in the summer. The Blues never shy away from an opportunity to sign a promising prospect, and with Xabi Alonso utilising a 3-4-2-1 formation thus far at the West London club, Batrakov can compete with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer for the two spots behind the striker. Additionally, his ability to play on the flanks can enable him to play as a right wing-back.

As for Manchester United, the Red Devils need to start planning for life after Bruno Fernandes, with the skipper on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. While the Portuguese international is arguably the best player in his team, Manchester United must identify his long-term successor who can take over in a few years.

Interestingly, reports in the summer suggested PSG would sign Batrakov before Galatasaray swooped in and secured his services. With Chelsea and Manchester United set to scout the Russian playmaker in the UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, the two Premier League clubs will have reignited their interest.