Chelsea are willing to pay £50m to sign ‘unbelievable’ Premier League star

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There’s still some time to go before the transfer window reopens, but Chelsea are receiving links with potential defensive targets.

Chelsea have been a bit of a surprise package for how well they’ve done in the opening few months of the season. However, there’s definitely still some areas that need improving.

In terms of the defensive line, the Blues are conceding too many goals. Enzo Maresca’s side have played 18 games across all competitions this campaign, and they’ve conceded 20 times.

Craig Burley has warned Chelsea to tighten up defensively in order to have a successful campaign.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca gives hilarious answer when discussing who’s going to defend in Chelsea’s new attacking team

Chelsea prepared to pay Illia Zabarnyi’s asking price

The Blues were linked with Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi, 22, earlier this week. Apparently, Chelsea’s hierarchy admire Bournemouth’s Zabarnyi.

Now, Enzo Maresca’s side have received further links to the Premier League star.

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea and Tottenham are both keen on signing Zabarnyi from their league rivals.

It is explained that Bournemouth are willing to listen to clubs that are prepared to pay around £50m for their 22-year-old centre-back.

The report adds that both Chelsea and Spurs are willing to match the £50m demands. Also, Blues boss Maresca is believed to be a big fan of the Cherries defender.

Zabarnyi, who’s been described as “unbelievable” by Philip Billing via the Daily Echo, is tipped for a big transfer move. It sounds like Bournemouth are open to cashing in on the Ukraine international, too.

Do Chelsea need a new centre-half?

Stephen Warnock claims Chelsea need to make two signings, both are in defensive positions. He’s told the Blues they need a world-class goalkeeper and a world-class centre-back added to their squad.

In fairness, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are growing together as a partnership in the heart of defence. In reserve, Chelsea can call upon Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile or Axel Disasi at centre-half.

It feels like Fofana and Colwill deserve the season as the starting pair before any rash decisions are made about splashing the cash again on another defender.