Manchester City feel Bournemouth defender ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ for Pep Guardiola as transfer possibility revealed | OneFootball

Transfer bosses at Manchester City feel as though Bournemouth’s Ilya Zabarnyi ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ for Pep Guardiola and the Premier League champions.

City’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a notable issue this season, and while Pep Guardiola’s side have been known for their impervious backline in recent years, they have looked exposed at times.

Injuries to all of their central defensive options at various moments of the season so far have undoubtedly compounded the problem, leaving Manchester City with a more makeshift defence and opening opportunities for the likes of academy star, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

City have struggled to maintain the consistency they have been known for, and these defensive lapses have cost them valuable points in their bid to retain the Premier League title for a fifth consecutive season.

As the January transfer window approaches, the Premier League champions are expected to strengthen their defensive system, with a potential move for a new central defender now reportedly on the cards.

That is according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, who reports that Bournemouth will accept big-money offers for their highly-rated defender Ilya Zabarnyi amid interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.

It is explained that Bournemouth would simply be unable to stand in the way of the player if a club was to be able to offer him both UEFA Champions League football and significant wages, whilst the 22-year-old “ticks a lot of boxes” for Pep Guardiola and his transfer team.

At present, it remains unlikely that Manchester City would be too keen on making a move for the central defender during the upcoming January transfer window, such are the nature of their priorities elsewhere on the field.

The Ukrainian defender has demonstrated composure on the ball and solid defensive qualities in his time at Bournemouth so far, which have perhaps unsurprisingly caught the eye of the Premier League giants.

If Manchester City were to move for him, his ability to play in Europe’s elite competition could be a key factor in enticing him to the Etihad Stadium, although one would expect intense competition from elsewhere on the continent.

Pep Guardiola may also explore options in midfield in the near future, where further injuries to players such as Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic have raised concerns for prolonged periods of the campaign.

Given the distance Manchester City find themselves away from their imperious best, many believe that the upcoming January window promises to be a crucial one for the club as they seek to address their defensive frailties and further strengthen their hopes of silverware.