Chelsea face competition from Tottenham Hotspur in battle to sign Premier League defender with £50 million price tag: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly in a transfer race with city rivals Tottenham Hotspur to snap up Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi in the near future.
Zabarnyi, 22, has established himself as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth in January 2023. He is regarded as one of the Cherries' most vital starters now.
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea and Spurs have been keeping close tabs on the Dynamo Kyiv youth product for quite a while. Bournemouth, on the other hand, are willing to sell their star for around £50 million.
Zabarnyi, whose current contract will expire in June 2029, has started 55 of his 58 appearances across competitions for Bournemouth so far. He has scored one goal since arriving for an initial fee of over £20 million.
Should the 43-cap Ukraine international secure a move to Chelsea, he could prove to be a stellar signing for them. He would offer excellent competition to the likes of Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Benoi Badiashile.
Pundit highlights flaw in Chelsea star's game
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel stated that Cole Palmer has to step up in the west London side's tougher games. He said (h/t OneFootball):
"Cole Palmer, I'm a huge fan. I think everybody is a huge fan. But again, the big games. You need to show up. That again is my only question with [Erling] Haaland. So far, Haaland hasn't done that for Manchester City. So far, Palmer hasn't done it for us."
Mikel, who helped the Blues lift two Premier League titles, added:
"He was quiet against City, Liverpool the same, Manchester United again. The big games, I'd like to see Cole Palmer [perform well], because he's an absolutely fantastic player. You see Lamine Yamal, he shows up in the big games. I'd like to see Palmer do a bit more of that. Chelsea fans, don't come for me, we all love Palmer, but I'd love to see him provide those assists, do something."
Palmer, 22, has lately been scrutinized for failing to impact Chelsea's performance in big games against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. But, he has arguably been one of the best players in the league this term.
The former Manchester City man has found the back of the net seven times in just 13 times across all competitions this campaign. The left-footed attacking midfielder has also laid out five assists for the Blues so far.