Chelsea have just been dealt another blow heading into the summer transfer window.
Dean Huijsen was a key target for Chelsea, but the Blues have now missed out on his signature following his decision to join Real Madrid.
Huijsen is not the only central defender Chelsea have looked at, with the Blues also interested in Jorrel Hato.
After missing out on Huijsen, it is thought that Hato is now top of Chelsea’s list. He may be more attainable than another centre-back on the club’s radar.
Bournemouth reluctant to sell Illia Zabarnyi to Chelsea
Huijsen is not the only player at Bournemouth whom Chelsea like. In January, it was claimed that Chelsea were also keeping tabs on Illia Zabarnyi.
However, with his teammate set to join Real Madrid this summer, the Blues signing Zabarnyi looks highly unlikely.
In fact, according to GiveMeSport, the 22-year-old leaving the Vitality Stadium is now seen as “almost impossible”.
The outlet states that while Chelsea are interested in Zabarnyi, Bournemouth will resist offers for him.
Having already lost Huijsen, the Cherries will not want to part ways with another central defender. Rebuilding a central defensive partnership and making it as good as their current one in the same transfer window will not be easy.
With that in mind, Bournemouth’s stance on Zabarnyi is not a shock. Whether they can stay firm, though, remains to be seen.
How Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen compare
Out of Zabarnyi and Huijsen, the latter has done more defending during games this season.
When it comes to interceptions, clearances, blocks and aerial duels won per match, Huijsen comes out on top. He also trumps the rest of his Bournemouth teammates in those areas.
| Player | Tackles | Interceptions | Clearances | Blocks | Aerials won |
| Illia Zabarnyi | 1.4 | 1.1 | 5.1 | 0.6 | 2.1 |
| Dean Huijsen | 1.2 | 1.7 | 6 | 0.9 | 2.2 |
Last term, Philip Billing told the Daily Echo that Zabarnyi’s performances had been “unbelievable”. Bournemouth fans should enjoy them while they still can, because at some point you would expect the Ukrainian to follow Huijsen out of the exit door if he maintains his form.
