Chelsea are reportedly preparing to rival London foes Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Bournemouth’s rising defensive star, Ilya Zabarnyi.

CaughtOffside reports suggest Bournemouth have placed a £50 million price tag on the 22-year-old Ukrainian international, who has been a standout performer this season.

Zabarnyi, who signed a long-term deal keeping him at the Vitality Stadium until 2029, has been a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s defence.

His commanding displays have contributed to Bournemouth’s impressive victories, including a notable triumph over reigning champions Manchester City.

Tottenham have been tracking Zabarnyi for some time, but Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are ready to challenge their rivals for the youngster’s signature.

Maresca, known for his tactical acumen and meticulous planning, is said to be an admirer of Zabarnyi’s abilities and sees him as a crucial addition to his evolving defensive setup.

Bournemouth’s financial position means they are open to selling the player if their £50 million valuation is met.

Both Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly willing to match the asking price, setting up what promises to be an intense transfer battle between the London clubs.

While Zabarnyi is said to be happy at Bournemouth, he would be open to a move to the capital if the right opportunity arises.

For Chelsea fans, the prospect of adding a young, talented defender to the squad is an exciting one, especially considering Zabarnyi’s potential to bolster a defence that has shown glimpses of brilliance under Maresca.

As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Chelsea to see if they can outmaneuver Spurs and bring Zabarnyi to Stamford Bridge.