Manchester City will need a “mammoth fee” if they want to sign Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi during the January transfer window, according to TEAMtalk.
The website claims that the Premier League champions, Chelsea and Tottenham are all vying for the Ukrainian international’s signature.
Bournemouth paid Dynamo Kyiv £15m for Zabarnyi two years ago but he signed a new five-year contract back in July, keeping him at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2029.
TEAMtalk say that means the Cherries will hold out for a “mammoth fee” if they receive approaches for the player in the New Year.
What do fans need to know about Zabarnyi?
The centre-back is a product of Dynamo Kyiv’s youth academy, moving his way up the youth ranks before making his professional debut at the age of 18 against Desna Chernihiv in September 2020.
Within a month, Zabarnyi had received his first international cap, playing for Ukraine in a friendly against France. Due to the war, it took some time for Bournemouth to negotiate a deal with Dynamo Kyiv but they eventually landed his signature in January 2023.
Over the last two years, the 22-year-old has made 58 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries, scoring his 1 and only goal against Luton Town last March.
Do City need a new centre-half?
TEAMtalk cite sources that suggest Zabarnyi could be targeted as a potential replacement for Ruben Dias but, considering the Portuguese international remains a key first-team player for manager Pep Guardiola, that seems unlikely.
Guardiola can also call upon Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol if needed to play in the centre of defence so you can’t see recruiting a new centre-back being a key priority.
A replacement for Rodri and a backup option for Erling Haaland would surely be much higher up the list, especially in January.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
