Chelsea might reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from fellow Premier League club Bournemouth next year.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Illia Zabarnyi is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a centre-back ahead of the two transfer windows next year. So, the 22-year-old defender has emerged as a target for the West London club amid his exploits for fellow Premier League outfit Bournemouth.
Illia Zabarnyi and his impact in the Premier League
Illia Zabarnyi has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023. A native of Kyiv, he spent his formative years in his home city before graduating from the youth division at the Ukrainian Premier League club.
The 22-year-old hit the ground running at AFC Bournemouth and has gone from strength to strength in the last 22 months at the Vitality Stadium. A mainstay at the back for the Premier League club, Zabarnyi has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Cherries while chipping in with one goal.
Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. However, a move across the Premier League might be on the cards, with Chelsea among his prospective suitors ahead of the two transfer windows next year.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Illia Zabarnyi is understandable. While the Blues have a bloated central defensive unit, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge amid their dwindling game time. So, Chelsea can do with a new centre-back, especially considering Wesley Fofana’s delicate fitness situation.
So, several candidates, including Tomas Araujo, have emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with Zabarnyi also a viable target. While Araujo will be an expensive option due to a release clause worth €100 million, Zabarnyi should be a cost-effective target despite his age profile.
It is unclear how much Bournemouth will demand to part ways with Zabarnyi. However, Chelsea’s interest in the 22-year-old Ukrainian international is in its infancy, and it will be interesting to see if they launch the offensive to sign the youngster from their fellow Premier League club next year.
