Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League giants eye winter move for Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez and centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.
Bournemouth’s unexpected rise to prominence
In football, it is often said that the smaller clubs, when performing beyond expectations, face the unenviable task of holding onto their standout players, as the top sides inevitably come calling.
This scenario now looms over AFC Bournemouth, a team that has exceeded pre-season predictions and sits impressively in seventh place in the Premier League table.
Their success has shone a spotlight on the abilities of two key players, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi, both of whom have emerged as targets for some of the league’s elite clubs.
Tottenham circling Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi
According to GIVEMESPORT, both players are being closely monitored by Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, with each club eyeing them as potential solutions to their current defensive shortcomings.
Manchester United and Liverpool are particularly keen on Milos Kerkez, with sources indicating that their search for left-backs stems from injuries and underperformance in those areas.
Illia Zabarnyi, on the other hand, has piqued the interest of Chelsea and Tottenham. Chelsea are reportedly considering Zabarnyi to bolster their backline.
Tottenham, facing a medium-term absence of both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, view the young centre-back as a potential solution to their current defensive woes.
However, as GIVEMESPORT highlights, Bournemouth are prepared to “play hardball” over any offers for the pair.
Adding to the intrigue, sources suggest that Bournemouth’s top brass remain resolute in their stance, valuing both players highly and showing no immediate urgency to part ways with them, despite the attention they are attracting.
Bournemouth’s stronghold and what it means for the transfer market
While the interest in Kerkez and Zabarnyi is undeniable, Bournemouth’s current position in the Premier League table could significantly influence the outcome of this saga.
The Cherries, sitting seventh and six points clear of the bottom half, are under no financial or sporting pressure to sell either player in the upcoming January transfer window.
This stability gives the club leverage in negotiations, potentially driving up the asking price or discouraging premature exits.
Should Tottenham fail to secure either player, their options in the market remain extensive, though identifying talent with comparable potential and impact may prove challenging.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham and their Premier League rivals can overcome Bournemouth’s resolve or if the south coast club will successfully retain two players who have been instrumental in their impressive campaign thus far.