AC Milan Eye Bournemouth's Ilya Zabarnyi as Defensive Cornerstone

AC Milan are reportedly showing strong interest in Ilya Zabarnyi, the 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back currently playing for Bournemouth. According to Italian media, new sporting director Fabio Paratici sees Zabarnyi as a potential cornerstone in building a new-look, youthful and ambitious squad at the San Siro.

While talks remain in the speculative stage and no official offers have been made by either club, or the player himself, Milan’s admiration for the highly rated defender appears to be genuine. Some suggest that nostalgia for Andriy Shevchenko's legendary success in Milan colours could also be influencing the club’s interest in another top-tier Ukrainian talent.

Serie A: Fixtures, Results & Standings

This season, Zabarnyi has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth and featured in 8 matches for the Ukraine national team. He has been a consistent starter for both club and country when fit, underlining his value as one of the most promising defenders in European football.