Bournemouth braced for Chelsea interest in £50m defender | OneFootball

Bournemouth are braced for interest from Premier League rivals including Chelsea for Illya Zabarnyi.

The Cherries face a battle to hold onto their top talent this summer. Dean Huijsen has completed a move to Real Madrid, while Liverpool are advancing in negotiations for Milos Kerkez. There’s also considerable interest in Antoine Semenyo.

Zabarnyi is the latest Bournemouth player attracting admirers. Paris Saint-Germain have made the Ukraine defender a top target, but the European champions are not alone in their pursuit.

Ukrainian outlet Tribuna have said Chelsea are reportedly ready to battle PSG for he 22-year-old, while Liverpool and Newcastle United are also weighing up moves. Chelsea want to bring in competition at centre-back, with Axel Disasi set to leave. The French defender has not been included in the squad for the Club World Cup.

PSG remain favourites to land Zabarnyi but interest from England could complicate their pursuit.

Bournemouth place £50m+ price tag on Chelsea, PSG and Liverpool target Zabarnyi

Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell Zabarnyi, who is contracted until 2028. Andoni Iraola will be reluctant to lose the player after the sale of centre-back partner Huijsen, but offers in excess of £50m are likely to be considered.

Zabaryni impressed with his ball-carrying last season, ranking fourth in the Premier League for progressive distance travelled in possession.

He joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in 2023 and has since made 78 league appearances in England. At international level, the centre-back has already won 48 caps for Ukraine.

Read – Chelsea make enquiry for Hugo Ekitike alternative

See more – Club World Cup: Six iconic veterans set to star this summer

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok