Manchester City and Chelsea are allegedly contemplating whether to make an approach for a Bournemouth defender during the summer transfer window.
The Cherries have been one of the surprise packages of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign and remain in the hunt for European qualification.
However, such has been the form of the South-coast outfit that many of their players have put themselves in the shop window with their respective performances.
Last week, it was confirmed that centre-back Dean Huijsen would be signing for Real Madrid after the La Liga giants opted to activate his £50m release clause.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Bournemouth now face a battle to fend off interest in one of his central-defensive partners.
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Clubs circling for Zabarnyi
The report suggests that as many as four Premier League clubs are interested in entering negotiations for Ilya Zabarnyi.
While Huijsen has received plenty of plaudits, Zabarnyi has made 33 starts and one substitute outing in the Premier League this season, accumulating the third-most minutes of any Bournemouth player in the top flight.
As well as Man City and Chelsea showing an interest, it is claimed that Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also admirers of the Ukraine international.
Although a potential transfer fee is not mentioned, Bournemouth would plausibly demand a fee in a similar bracket to that of Huijsen’s should they ever consider a sale.
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What is Bournemouth’s stance?
Bournemouth allegedly have no intention of cashing in on Zabarnyi during the next transfer window, a consequence of Huijsen having already left the Vitality Stadium.
Furthermore, there is widespread interest in left-back Milos Kerkez, and it is deemed more likely that he would leave rather than another central defender.
Zabarnyi possesses a contract until 2029, essentially leaving Bournemouth in a position where they can dictate what happens with the 22-year-old this summer.
Andoni Iraola will have the funds to acquire a suitable candidate to replace Huijsen and compete with Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi in the middle of the backline.
