Chelsea 'impressed' by Premier League star after scouting mission

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Dec 2024 17:48 GMT
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea scouts have been left impressed by what they have seen from Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi, according to a report.

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The Ukraine international has shown himself to be one of the most promising players on the books at the Vitality Stadium. Since being signed from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for a sizeable €22.7 million, Zabarnyi has gone from strength to strength.

The Bournemouth star, at just 22 years of age, is already a more-than-reliable Premier League defender. Zabarnyi is a crucial cog in Andoni Iraola's well-drilled side and he has played the full 90 minutes in every game he has featured in this season.

Unsurprisingly, Zabarnyi is an attractive commodity to bigger clubs, and he has been for some time. With several high-profile sides in the market for young centre-backs, speculation surrounding the Ukrainian is picking up ahead of 2025.

Chelsea impressed by Zabarnyi

According to TBR Football, Chelsea are one of the most active clubs when it comes to scouting Zabarnyi. The outlet claims that representatives of the club were in attendance midweek when the defender shut out Tottenham in the Cherries' brilliant 1-0 win.

The report states that the Blues' scouts came away from the game impressed with the 22-year-old and they will surely continue to monitor him in a bid to get a 'clear picture of the best options available.'

It is asserted that the interest from the Stamford Bridge outfit predates Zabarnyi's move to England and the attraction for the player never subsided.

The Blues are said to be 'well-placed' to eventually strike a deal for the player down the line due to having cultivated a good relationship with Bournemouth.

Chelsea are in the market for a centre-back and have also been linked with players such as Tomas Araujo of Benfica and RC Lens sensation Abdukodir Khusanov.