It’s so frustrating for supporters to hear that Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana has picked up yet another serious injury.
Wesley Fofana has been incredibly unfortunate with injuries since he joined Chelsea two and a half years ago from Leicester City. In fact, the centre-back’s only made 32 competitive appearances for the Blues in total.
Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea defender Fofana has a hamstring injury, which could possibly keep him out for the whole second half of the season.
The 24-year-old has now left another major hole in the heart of defence, which is something the club must quickly address. We’d like to see the Blues owners dip into their pocket in this January transfer window to bring in a marquee central defender.
Chelsea should go all in for Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi
Even though it’s devastating to admit, Chelsea simply can’t rely on Fofana as an option. Therefore, they need to find the long-term answer to play as the right-sided centre-back next to Levi Colwill.
Bournemouth ace Illia Zabarnyi, 22, is the profile we’d advise Chelsea to try and sign this month.
The Blues could hold off until the summer to go in search of a marquee defensive signing, but a mid-season addition would boost their top-four chances and be a massive support for Maresca.
The Bournemouth central defender isn’t a name plucked out of thin air because there’s been speculation recently about a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
It was claimed in November that Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in signing Bournemouth’s Zabarnyi, who’s an individual that Maresca does rate highly. Apparently, the Blues and Spurs are both prepared to cough up the player’s £50m asking price.
However, Bournemouth are reluctant to let Zabarnyi go in January because of his colossal impact in their backline.
In the wake of the Fofana injury blow, Chelsea should ramp up their interest in Zabarnyi now that the January transfer window is open. It feels inevitable that the Ukraine international will get a mega transfer in the near future, so the Blues should try to steal a march in January and add him to their squad.
Why Illia Zabarnyi would suit Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked with plenty of centre-backs, including some high-profile names, but we’re huge admirers of what Zabarnyi is doing at Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old has been getting better and better since his move to the Premier League two years ago. He’s now performing at such a high level that he’s destined for a step up.
Zabarnyi ticks so many boxes for what Chelsea need as a dominant right-sided centre-back, plus he fits the project as a youngster. As for his £50m valuation, that could actually be superb value in his market.
He’s played every single league minute so far this season for Bournemouth, where he’s performed as one of the division’s best young and upcoming defenders.
| Appearnaces | Tackles won % | Aerial duels won % | Recoveries | Pass accuracy % | Dribbled past | Yellow cards | Average rating |
| 19 | 66.7% | 66.1% | 97 | 82.2% | 8 | 2 | 7.08 |
Zabarnyi is a commanding 6ft 2in centre-half who’s quick, strong and good with both feet. Those who’ve watched him closely will know he’s excellent in the slide tackle as well, too.
This rising talent in the Premier League could be the perfect partner for Colwill in Chelsea’s defence.
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