According to reports, Chelsea has added Illia Zabarnyi of AFC Bournemouth to their list of potential defensive targets in advance of the January transfer window.

Since joining the Cherries from Dynamo Kyiv for over £24 million in January 2023, the 22-year-old Ukraine international has made a huge impression on the south coast.

Last summer, Zabarnyi, who has previously drawn interest from Arsenal, extended his contract with Bournemouth, keeping him there until 2029.

According to Football Transfers and the BBC Gossip section, Chelsea is reportedly looking to bring Zabarnyi to Stamford Bridge, and head coach Enzo Maresca is a big admirer of the young centre-back.

With 43 Ukrainian caps, Zabarnyi has become one of Bournemouth’s most essential players and a true fan favourite at Vitality Stadium.

Given the duration of Zabarnyi’s current contract and his significance to Andoni Iraola, Chelsea would probably have to spend a hefty transfer price to acquire his services.

However, it should be mentioned that Chelsea is not just interested in Zabarnyi; they are also thinking about making a move for Tomás Araújo of Benfica.

Regarding a possible transfer for the 22-year-old centre defender, who is the same age and position as Zabarnyi of Bournemouth, the Blues have “made contact” with the Portuguese team.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea attempted to sign Araújo last summer but did not do so before the window closed.

“Chelsea is keeping a close eye on the centre-back market,” Romano stated. “We should check whether January or summer will be the season.”

It’s not a certain that January will arrive because Chelsea was thinking about adding a new centre-back in the final days of the summer transfer window. For instance, Tomas Araujo of Benfica is a player they adore.

They were thinking about making a move for him, but nothing materialised because Benfica was not offloading a key player just a few days before the transfer market closed.

I can now reaffirm that they are keeping an eye on the market. Players are being followed by them.