Three Illia Zabarnyi alternatives that Tottenham should be looking out for a possible summer transfer – Opinion

But the fact about these rumours is that Tottenham are not alone in the race for his signature with French giants. PSG is also interested in the 22-year-old Ukrainian defender, preferring a move to the French giants over the North Londoners.

And given that Tottenham have been backed into the corner multiple times in the ongoing summer transfer window, it will be quite ideal for the North Londoners to consider starting to plot alternatives if the move for the Bournemouth ace doesn’t come to fruition.

There are three possible alternatives that the North Londoners can consider if Tottenham cannot sign Zabarnyi.

Three alternatives to Zabarnyi that Levy can consider this summer

Mario Gila

While bringing in Gila doesn’t give you all the headlines that you’d expect, the Lazio centre back is someone who has quite a tactical presence given his abilities in the buildup, complemented by his confidence when put under intense press.

He has already established himself as a regular at Lazio, where he brings that sense of structure with much-needed smartness.

And given that the North Londoners have Thomas Frank at the helm at N17, who likes to have a structured defence complemented by players who are not shy of putting their hands up for a pass under pressure, that is exactly what the Lilywhites will get with Gila.

He is also someone who is very apt at playing in a back three as well as a back four, adding advantage to the hybrid structure of 4-3-3 and 3-5-2.

Lucas Beraldo

Beraldo would be another interesting option who would fit right into Daniel Levy’s recently adapted transfer strategy of buying highly talented young players and developing them through the corridors at Hotspur Way. And given how the left-footed PSG defender oozes that technical maturity, he would be an interesting option for the North Londoners.

He is good at threading passes through the lines as well, much like Cristian Romero when it comes to going in aggressively whilst stepping into midfield to intercept danger.

And his versatility helps too. Given that Beraldo has the capacity to play as the left-sided centre-back in either a back three or four and can even play as a full-back when asked of him.

Thomas Frank would love to have players of this tactical flexibility in his roster.

Moreover, given the fact that Tottenham under Frank are expected to build up under pressure and cover in the wide areas, this is where Beraldo would be a long-term investment.

Nathan Collins

Then comes Nathan Collins, and of all the options, he would be the most plug-and-play-ready defender given that he knows Frank’s playbook inside out given their shared time at Brentford. He is someone that uses pressing triggers alongside the high line and hybrid man-zonal marking. That being said, he has done it. And done it well.

Collins is someone who is quick and strong in the air, which works well alongside his tactical sharpness, with which he has become one of the Premier League’s most reliable young centre-backs.

The Brentford centre-back is not the most flashy of options, but he does read transitions quite well, and he rarely switches off.

If you bring him to Tottenham, Collins would not need fitting in. He will give you that instant continuity alongside leadership and a skill set that is already proven in the English top tier.

Author Opinion

It is to be seen what the North Londoners opt for if Levy is not able to secure the signatures of Illia Zabarnyi.