Chelsea want to sign “dominant” PL star who is better than Guehi & Chalobah

Enzo Maresca he did a great job in charge of Chelsea since his appointment in the summer, transforming the club’s fortunes on the pitch and steering it back in the right direction.

After the first 20 league games Premier League campaign, the Italian has guided the Blues to a top-four finish, just four points off London rivals Arsenal and looking well placed for a Champions League spot.

However, the last few games have highlighted the lack of defensive options available to Maresca, especially after the failure of Wesley Fofana which could see him miss out on another big campaign.

His side are without a win in four, drawing two and losing the other, with the January transfer window the first perfect opportunity for the former Leicester City boss to strengthen his rearguard.

A number of players have already been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, with another name entering the picture in the last few days.

Chelsea are considering a move for the PL star in January

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea takes care on Bournemouth centre-back Ilija Zabarnyi on a potential move before the end of the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old joined the Cherries from Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv two years ago and has been an influential part of Andoni Iraola’s backline in recent months.

He started all 20 appearances in the Premier League to date, appearing in every minute of the competition, playing a huge part in the club’s unexpected early success which sees them in seventh position.

It is unclear how much a move would cost the Blues, or even whether his current employers would accept any deal for their star this window, but he would provide the quality Maresca is looking for at the back.

Any change would certainly end the pursuit of another player, potentially offering a cheaper alternative but also a better option in the Blues’ hunt to secure a place in the top four at the end of the season.

Why Zabarnyi would be a better addition than Guehi

Chelsea sold the defender Marc Guehi to Crystal Palace for just £18m in summer 2021but fast forward almost four years and now they are interested in a move to re-sign graduated from Cobham Academy.

The move has been touted in recent days but would undoubtedly cost Maresco and the wealth hierarchy, with Oliver Glasner’s side demanding a fee in the region of £75m in the summer amid serious interest from Newcastle United.

Another option that has been considered is impeachment Trevor Chalobah since his loan spell at Selhurst Park, with the Englishman appearing alongside Guehi during his temporary tenure.

However, the real focus should be on a permanent deal for Zabarnyi, with the 22-year-old vastly outperforming the aforementioned pair this campaign – also providing an immediate and long-term option for the club’s defensive department.

The Ukrainian, who was previously referred to as “complete and dominant” talent hunter Jacek Kulig, has won more aerial battles this campaign, offering that aerial threat that has often eluded Maresca’s men in 2024/25.

He is too carries the ball more on average and completed more short passes, making him an excellent fit for the possession-based philosophy currently implemented in west London.

While it’s unclear how much the deal would set owner Todd Boehly back this winter, Zabarnyi’s talent is evident, undoubtedly providing an upgrade to the current group of defensemen currently at the Bridge.

Given his tender age, he has the potential to improve further in the years to come, potentially playing a vital role in helping the club end their wait for league triumph.