The summer transfer market always leaves room for surprises, especially when young talents start to excel in competitive leagues. This year is no exception, with several clubs keeping a close eye on players who could represent the future of their projects.
Among them, the name of Ukrainian centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi is starting to sound louder and louder. The 22-year-old Bournemouth defender has attracted the attention of several top clubs for his consistency and maturity at the back. While some clubs have already made moves for him, others are waiting for the right moment to act.
Chelsea Want To Sign Ilya Zabarnyi
According to information from Give Me Sport, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and a third major club are all keeping an eye on the young defender. Bournemouth, however, are unwilling to facilitate his departure. The recent sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid has weakened their squad, and losing another key player in the same period is not in their plans. For that reason, any negotiations for Zabarnyi look complex. The interest is there, but the southern English club will do their best to keep him. The pressure will increase if one of these teams decides to submit a formal bid before the window closes.
If Chelsea’s interest materialises, Zabarnyi could be an important part of Enzo Maresca’s defensive overhaul. Chelsea have had problems in that area for some time. Badiashile has not been convincing, Fofana has been out injured and Thiago Silva has already left. The Ukrainian offers a different profile: disciplined, sober and with a good sense of anticipation of attacks. He has a clear reading of the game, something essential for a system that seeks to come out from the back without losing solidity. In addition, the Bournemouth player has Premier League experience, which shortens his adaptation.
Maresca looks for clean transitions, long possessions and high-line defence. Zabarnyi fits well with that idea. He is not an exuberant defender, but he knows how to position himself and doesn’t usually make silly mistakes. If he is surrounded by technical profiles, he can grow even more. The defender’s room for improvement is still high, but he already shows confidence and composure in pressure situations. He does not tend to lose one-on-one duels, something Chelsea badly need if they are to return to serious competition.
Will He Be A Good Choice For The Blues?
But beyond his tactical fit, there is the financial aspect. Chelsea have spent huge sums on reinforcements that have failed to deliver. Investing in a more realistic profile, with proven experience and a hunger to grow, can make a difference. Zabarnyi may not be a marketing star, but he can offer something more valuable: stability. There is also a question of leadership. Though young, his nature conveys responsibility, something that has been in short supply in the Blue dressing room for some time.
From another angle, his signing would send a message. Chelsea wants to build with a head, not just a chequebook. Betting on Zabarnyi would say a lot about a possible new direction. And if Bournemouth hold out, it will mean they are clear about his value. But if someone breaks the bank for him, that someone should be a club with a clear plan. Chelsea, at last, seem to have one.
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