According to a report by The Athletic on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Chelsea have revived their interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi, with manager Xabi Alonso assessing reinforcements for his back line ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.

Journalist Simon Phillips says the Premier League side are monitoring the Ukrainian international’s situation in Paris amid suggestions that the centre-back may be unhappy. Chelsea are tracking developments rather than having made a formal move, and any decision could depend on how his role at PSG evolves.

The renewed attention comes as Chelsea seek greater defensive reliability. Their shortcomings were exposed during Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Sunderland, when the back line struggled to cope with striker Brian Brobbey. Levi Colwill found the forward difficult to contain and was withdrawn at half-time, while Wesley Fofana also had problems dealing with him. The display has intensified debate over whether Chelsea need another central defender.

With the January transfer window approaching, Alonso could ask the club’s hierarchy to examine the market for another centre-back. Zabarnyi is already familiar to Chelsea’s recruitment staff, having attracted attention during his spell at Bournemouth before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2025 for a reported £57 million.

Speaking on the SPTC Podcast, Phillips indicated that Chelsea continue to follow the defender’s position at the French club.

“Another historical target is Zabarnyi from PSG. He used to be at Bournemouth. Obviously, there’s a situation there. There have been some rumours about him perhaps not being quite content in France, and he could be available. Chelsea are certainly watching that situation,” he said.

Zabarnyi’s playing time at PSG has changed during the current campaign. He was initially left out of the starting line-up for each of the club’s first five Ligue 1 fixtures. However, he subsequently started the next five league matches, suggesting that he has begun to establish a more regular role. That improvement could make PSG less willing to consider a mid-season departure.

His technical qualities are another reason he is viewed as a potentially suitable addition for Alonso. The defender is considered comfortable in possession and capable of progressing play with accurate distribution from the back. FotMob figures cited in the report show that Zabarnyi averages 84.20 passes per 90 minutes, completing 94.8 per cent. He also registers 3.60 long balls and 11.80 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes. The figures provide a snapshot of his involvement in build-up play, particularly how often he moves possession forward and finds teammates beyond opposing lines.

Those numbers underline the passing range that could appeal to Chelsea as they assess ways to improve their defence. Nevertheless, interest does not guarantee a transfer, particularly with Zabarnyi now featuring more regularly for PSG. The reported £57 million fee paid by the French club could also influence negotiations, while a January deal may prove difficult if PSG are reluctant to weaken their defence midway through the season. Chelsea’s pursuit will depend on the player’s situation, PSG’s position and the financial terms involved.