TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Chelsea were among the Premier League clubs to attempt a late swoop for Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.
Chelsea are looking to bring reinforcements in this summer, and their Club World Cup loss to Flamengo will likely have made them more intent to do so.
Chelsea have signed Liam Delap so far, and he looked bright on his full debut, but the Blues will also look to strengthen in numerous other positions.
Centre-back is one of those positions, and TBR Football can confirm that Zabarnyi is on their radar – but they are set to be disappointed in their pursuit.
Illia Zabarnyi looking on while playing for Bournemouth against Aston Villa in the Premier League
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Chelsea tried for Illya Zabarnyi but he only wants PSG
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Chelsea and Newcastle United both made a late move to try and sign Zabarnyi.
However, the Ukraine international only has eyes for Paris Saint-Germain, and a prospective move to the Champions League winners is in the works.
“He really is only focused on PSG,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“I am told that he has agreed personal terms in principle, but there is still some way to go in terms between Bournemouth and PSG.
“Bournemouth are not too happy with how this is going, but they know the player wants the move and has made that clear.
“When a team like PSG comes calling, even when there is no release clause – it is tough.
“I can confirm even in the last few weeks since it emerged about PSG, that Chelsea and Newcastle again asked the question, but were also told that he only wants PSG.”
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Other centre-backs on Chelsea’s wish-list as alternatives to Illya Zabarnyi
Zabarnyi is an “unbelievable” centre-back and it’s a shame that Chelsea most likely won’t get their hands on him anytime soon.
However, Chelsea have a number of other names on their wish-list who they could look to target in the coming months.
Ajax star Jorrel Hato is one player on the Blues’ radar, though he also has interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is also on Chelsea’s wish-list, along with fellow Englishman Marc Guehi, whose Crystal Palace future is uncertain.
In addition, Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande is appreciated by Chelsea, though Real Madrid are also on the Diomande case.