Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign a new centre-back who will cost around £50m, but they will need to beat the competition, with Chelsea said to be interested.
Illia Zabarnyi has impressed for Bournemouth this season
Illia Zabarnyi has started every Premier League match this season for AFC Bournemouth, with his side trailing Tottenham by a single point in the table.
Although Bournemouth’s defensive record is not that impressive, with the Cherries conceding 15 goals, Zabarnyi has become a fan’s favourite at the club. He is a physical defender and averages five ball recoveries per match (Sofascore).
At just 22 years old, Zabarnyi has plenty of time to develop and he already has a lot of experience, having made 43 international appearances for Ukraine.
Zabarnyi linked with Tottenham
According to Caught Offside, Spurs are interested in adding Zabarnyi to their squad and have been following his progress for a while, but Chelsea are also interested in the centre-back, with Enzo Maresca keen on his playing capabilities.
Zabarnyi joined Bournemouth less than two years ago and has recently signed a deal contracting him to the club until 2029. While he is content at his current club, he is also sai to be open to a move to London.
Bournemouth are desperate to keep Zabarnyi on the south coast, pricing the promising defender at a hefty £50m, but Spurs and Chelsea are reportedly willing to empty their pockets to secure his signature, meaning it would be up to the Ukrainian to decide his future.
Tottenham need a new centre-back
Ben Davies will be out of contract this summer, while according to Give me Sport, Cristian Romero is likely to push for a move to Real Madrid if the champions of Europe attempt to sign him.
And with Radu Dragusin putting in such poor performances when he has been given a chance in the first team, Spurs are in desperate need of a centre-back who has Premier League experience, and as a right-footed defender still early on his career, Zabarnyi could be the quality player Spurs are looking for.