Bournemouth identify Illia Zabarnyi replacement as Cherries 'join race' for Inter Milan-linked defender

Bournemouth have reportedly joined Inter Milan in the race to sign centre-back Koni De Winter from Genoa.

The Cherries have already lost one key centre-back this summer, having seen Dean Huijsen complete a £50m move to Real Madrid.

They are also facing a battle to keep Illia Zabarnyi, who has been subject to interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.

While a sale has been agreed, Andoni Iraola's side already appear to be scouring the market for potential replacements for the Ukraine international.

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Bournemouth join Inter in De Winter race

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the South-coast side have identified De Winter as a possible transfer target. 

The Cherries face competition from Italian giants Inter, who are keen to add the defender to Christian Chivu's squad. 

Inter have already held talks over a move for the 23-year-old, but they may need to sell a centre-back before they can seriously pursue a transfer.

De Winter is under contract until June 2028 after signing a four-year deal following his permanent arrival from Juventus last summer. 

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Who is Koni De Winter?

De Winter joined the Juventus youth setup in 2018, before he worked his way through the ranks to the club's Under-23 side.

However, he failed to force his way into the first team setup, making just two senior appearances as Juventus opted to send him on loan to Empoli and Genoa.

After joining Genoa on a permanent transfer last year, the centre-back went on to make 23 starts in 26 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, helping his side secure safety with a 13th-placed finish.

De Winter's performances for his club side have opened the door for him to earn four caps for Belgium, including appearances in both of June's World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales.

The defender played at right-back in those two qualifiers, showing that he can offer versatility to his potential suitors.