Illia Zabarnyi has explained his decision to sign a new contract at AFC Bournemouth despite being linked to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Zabarnyi has established himself as one of the most impressive young defenders in the Premier League after just one full top-flight season at the Vitality Stadium.
It emerged a few days ago that the Gunners were ‘monitoring’ the highly-rated Ukraine international centre-back, who is already a huge Cherries fan-favourite.
Arsenal sent scouts to watch Zabarnyi in action at Euro 2024 and had been ‘hoping’ to secure a deal for him, according to reports, but they have now failed.
That’s because the 21-year-old – who surely would’ve been aware of Arsenal’s interest and could’ve tried his best to force a deal to happen – has instead committed his future to the Cherries, signing a new five-year contract until 2029.
The news was confirmed on Sunday and Zabarnyi, explaining his decision to sign a new deal at Bournemouth, said: ‘I’m so excited and so happy to be here.
‘I’m really enjoying it, it’s a beautiful town and a really exciting project. I’ve enjoyed a lot of good moments, last season was important for me.
‘We achieved a record points total but we can do more, it’s a really great place to be and I’m pleased to extend my stay.’
Zabarnyi played 90 minutes in all but one of the Bournemouth’s Premier League matches last term and helped the south coast club register eight clean sheets.
The central defender, who joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv for around £24m in January 2023, played every minute for Ukraine at Euro 2024 this summer.
But it is the Premier League where Zabarnyi has truly caught the eye with a series of stunning performances thus far.
‘Illia had a remarkable season for us and showed great quality beyond his years,’ Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added.
‘We’re delighted he’s agreed terms on a new long-term contract and are excited to see him continue his impressive development.’