Chelsea’s defensive crisis has deepened, with Wesley Fofana sidelined for the season and Benoît Badiashile also ruled out through injury.
This has left Levi Colwill as Enzo Maresca’s only fit first-choice centre-back, while Tosin Adarabioyo has been forced into regular action.
The lack of depth has made Chelsea vulnerable at the back, contributing to a poor run of form that has stalled their push towards the Premier League summit.
According to iNews, the Blues are considering a January move for Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, who is valued at around £32 million on Transfermarkt.
The 21-year-old Ukrainian has been outstanding for Andoni Iraola’s side this season, forming a formidable partnership with Dean Huijsen. His commanding performances have helped the Cherries climb to 7th in the table, sparking hopes of a historic European qualification.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Bournemouth are expected to resist any offers this month. Iraola’s side are flying high and will be determined to keep hold of their defensive lynchpin as they chase their best-ever Premier League finish.
Zabarnyi himself may also prefer to wait until the summer, when his stock will be even higher and more top clubs could enter the race.
That timing would give him stronger bargaining power over both transfer fee and personal terms.
Chelsea remain in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, but their top targets—including Zabarnyi and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi—are unlikely to move mid-season.
Maresca may therefore have to make do with his current options or seek a short-term solution to cover the injury crisis.