Paul Merson believes that one Premier League centre-back who Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing will be allowed to leave his club if the price is right.
Tottenham are looking at Illia Zabarnyi
Tottenham raided Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke back in the summer and it has since emerged that the Lilywhites are plotting another assault to sign another one of the Cherries’ best players next month.
The player in question is Illia Zabarnyi, who has gone from strength to strength since establishing himself in Bournemouth’s starting eleven at the start of last season.
It has been widely reported over recent months that Spurs are set to make a January move for the 22-year-old, who is thought to be valued at £50m by the South Coast club.
Paul Merson believes a deal is there to be done
Merson admits that he is a big fan of Zabarnyi, insisting that the Ukrainian has the ability to play for a top side.
He suggested that Tottenham might not be the only ones monitoring the centre-back and claimed that Andoni Iraola’s men will sell the player for the right fee.
The former Arsenal midfielder said (via Footboom): “Zabarnyi is a top-level player, and if Tottenham has shown interest, other Premier League clubs are surely monitoring him as well. He is a high-quality defender, and I have witnessed his performances at Bournemouth this season firsthand.
“This is only his second season in the Premier League, but Illia already possesses the necessary experience. Bournemouth will not stand in his way – they have proven that in the past. If an offer comes in for him to play in the Champions League, a deal can be made.
“Newcastle is also keeping an eye on him. I believe Zabarnyi will leave Bournemouth, but it will be challenging to arrange a transfer in January. He would strengthen any Premier League team. Illia has already played over 40 matches for the Ukrainian national team.
“He is a clever footballer, and I have no doubt that this summer, Zabarnyi will move, whether it be to Spurs or another club in England.”
Why Illia Zabarnyi may be out of Tottenham’s reach
Any central defender Spurs sign will primarily be used as a backup as it is difficult to see anyone keeping either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven out of the starting eleven.
That is why it may not make sense for Tottenham to shell out £50m on a centre-back, especially given that the club also need reinforcements in the middle of the park and on the flanks.