Tottenham ready to pay full asking price of Chelsea target who is 'very easy to coach'

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Pranav Kannan | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 10:31 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur are embarking on yet another new era under Thomas Frank, as they look to build on the Europa League victory last season and take the team to the next level. Ange Postecoglou has left the squad in very good shape for the Danish tactician to inherit and build on.

Last season was a very diabolic campaign for Spurs, as they managed to secure their first trophy in ages but at the same time, had an abysmal showing in the Premier League. Postecoglou’s methods were questioned time and again but the Australian gaffer eventually walked out of the door with his head held high as the man responsible for breaking the trophy curse.

The North London club have already begun pre-season preparations, starting off strong under Frank, with a 2-0 win over Reading. In terms of transfers, Tottenham have wrapped up the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United while the transfer of Morgan Gibbs-White is still at a stand-still.

Illya Zabarnyi - Premier League 24/25:

☑️36 games
️1 assist
49 passes per 90
82% pass accuracy
️1.5 tackles per 90
1.2 interceptions per 90
5.2 clearances per 90
✈️64% of aerial duels won
⚔️61% of ground duels won

22 years of age. An incredibly mature & consistent CB.… pic.twitter.com/4Q8b2V30tw
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 30, 2025

Tottenham want Illya Zabarnyi

Spurs are now set to focus on more reinforcements. As per Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to pay the full asking price of talented Bournemouth defender Illya Zabarnyi. The Ukrainian international also has interest from European giants PSG and other Premier League clubs like Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Bournemouth have already made two significant defensive sales this summer in the form of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool. The Cherries are now demanding around €70 million to part ways with Zabarnyi and Spurs are now preparing an offer just that, including bonuses.

Tottenham currently have a number of talented central defenders in the squad. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the undisputed starters, although the former’s future still hangs in the balance. There are backup options in the squad like Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and even Ben Davies.

A player who is very easy to coach

As things stand, spending so much to bring in Zabarnyi, who his manager Andoni Iraola regards as a player “very easy to coach”, does not make much sense for Thomas Frank. However, this could be a deal that is directly dependent on the future of Romero and whether or not he stays at the N17.

The next few days should provide a clearer picture on just how serious Tottenham are in pursuing a move for the 22-year-old. With so much interest in the player, a bidding war could ensue and that is something the North London club need to be wary of. Let’s wait and see how things play out.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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