Tottenham advancing on a €70m move that could catch PSG cold this summer

Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is on Tottenham radar

As per recent reports, Tottenham are rivalling Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of highly-rated Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi. They are willing to pay the full asking price of the Ukraine international, who is also on the radar of Premier League clubs like Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Illia Zabarnyi was a pillar of strength in Bournemouth’s defence this previous campaign, making 36 Premier League appearances. He had forged a strong partnership with Dean Huijsen in central defence as the duo impressed with their pace, reading of the game and aerial dominance. While Huijsen has already sealed a switch to Real Madrid earlier this summer, the Cherries are now at the risk of losing his defensive partner.

As per reliable journalist Duncan Castles, Tottenham have made their first concrete move to sign Zabarnyi by tabling a €70m bid earlier this week. Interestingly, the North Londoners’ bid is the asking price for the 22-year-old set by Bournemouth’s owner Bill Foley.

Spurs advancing with deal to sign Bournemouth star

Now, according to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham are advancing with a deal to sign Zabarnyi from Bournemouth. They are now the frontrunners to secure the Kyiv-born talent’s signature, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Zabarnyi has the qualities to thrive in Thomas Frank’s system at Spurs. The Dane showed tactical flexibility at his previous club Brentford, using a back four or three at the back system whenever required to good effect. Thus, he could be in the hunt for an extra centre-back to help him implement this system, especially if Romero departs amid Atletico Madrid interest.

If Romero leaves, Zabarnyi would be his reliable long-term replacement and complement Van de Ven at the heart of the team’s defence. However, should Romero stay put at White Hart Lane, it would make no sense for the North Londoners to fork out a premium for the Bournemouth man.

All in all, the next few days should provide a clearer picture on just how serious Tottenham are in their pursuit of the Ukrainian defensive wall. Their determination to land Zabarnyi hints at Romero ending his N17 chapter this summer.