“He’s the only defender who can solve the blues problem” – Chelsea face real fight to sign ‘very brave’ defender who didn’t give Liam Delap a sniff

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Chelsea Faces Challenges in Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcements

Chelsea’s hunt for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window might hit a roadblock as they target a key player from Bournemouth. With injuries piling up and uncertainty surrounding Axel Disasi’s future, the Blues are under pressure to strengthen their backline.

Chelsea’s Defensive Woes

The club is grappling with the absence of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile due to injuries. Meanwhile, Axel Disasi has been linked with a move away, further complicating matters. Having made only four Premier League starts this season, Disasi’s role at Chelsea remains uncertain. As a result, the club is reportedly exploring potential replacements to bolster their defense.

Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi on Chelsea’s Radar

One of the names linked with Chelsea is Bournemouth’s standout center-back, Illia Zabarnyi. The 22-year-old Ukrainian has caught the attention of Stamford Bridge scouts, but securing his signature could prove challenging. According to GiveMeSport, Bournemouth is determined to retain Zabarnyi, with the club unwilling to part with one of their most promising players.

Bournemouth’s Reluctance to Sell

The Cherries view Zabarnyi as a crucial part of their squad and are prepared to resist Chelsea’s advances. His performances this season, including a dominant display against Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, underline his value to Bournemouth.

Zabarnyi Shines in Key Performances

Zabarnyi has showcased his defensive prowess against top opposition this season. In a match against Ipswich, he effectively neutralized Delap, limiting the striker to two off-target shots. Zabarnyi’s six tackles and nine ground duel victories earned him an impressive Sofascore rating of 8.4.

In another standout game, he helped Bournemouth secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November. His manager, Andoni Iraola, praised Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi for their bravery in containing Erling Haaland despite the relentless pressure. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Iraola remarked, “Playing against Haaland with the space behind was always going to be a challenge, but they handled it superbly.”

Is Zabarnyi the Right Fit for Chelsea?

While Zabarnyi’s talent and potential are undeniable, his relative inexperience may raise concerns for Chelsea, who might prefer a more seasoned defender. However, the former Dynamo Kyiv star has proven he can excel at the Premier League level, making him a viable option for the Blues.

Fikayo Tomori: Another Option?

In addition to Zabarnyi, Chelsea has reportedly been offered the chance to re-sign Fikayo Tomori. The former Chelsea defender, now at AC Milan, could provide the experience and familiarity the Blues are seeking.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea’s quest to strengthen their defense won’t be easy, especially with clubs like Bournemouth unwilling to part with their prized assets. However, whether it’s Zabarnyi, Tomori, or another target, the Blues will need to act decisively to address their backline concerns as the January window unfolds.