Despite the fact that there’s plenty of talented defenders on Chelsea’s books, the club continues to be linked in the transfer rumour mill with potential new centre-back signings.
The Chelsea squad consists of several high-profile central defenders to choose from. Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill have been the preferred partnership in the heart of defence, but there’s also the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi in reserve.
Stephen Warnock insists Chelsea need to sign a world-class centre-half, plus a new goalkeeper, if they want to challenge for the Premier League title.
- READ MORE: Chelsea looking at Champions League man tipped to become ‘one of the best defenders in the world’
Chelsea shortlist Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi
According to FootballTransfers, Chelsea have shortlisted Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi as one of their transfer targets.
It is explained that their hierarchy really admires the 22-year-old Premier League star, who’s played every single top-flight minute so far this season for Bournemouth.
The report adds that Blues head coach Enzo Maresca rates Zabarnyi and is a fan.
In addition, FootballTransfers says that Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is also on the Chelsea radar.
It’s been claimed this week that Chelsea have initiated contact for Benfica centre-back Araujo, so let’s wait and see if the club does add another defender to the squad.
Illia Zabarnyi is a star in the making
At the age of 22, Zabarnyi is already an ever-present for a Premier League side. He’s also got 43 senior international caps for Ukraine, too.
The powerful centre-back has been so consistent in Bournemouth colours since he joined the club from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023. Zabarnyi, who’s been described as “unbelievable” by Philip Billing via the Daily Echo, looks destined for a big move at some stage.
Here is a look at Zabarnyi’s individual statistics for Bournemouth this season:
| Appearances | Passing accuracy | Tackles won | Duels won | Interceptions | Recoveries | Dribbled past | Average rating |
| 11 | 83.8% | 7 | 38 | 12 | 55 | 5 | 6.90 |
Fofana enjoys playing with Colwill at Chelsea as the starting centre-back partnership, but how long will they last before there’s an upgrade?
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