Just in: Tottenham make contact to sign ‘unbelievable’ star, willing to pay £60m

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Bournemouth regarding a potential move for highly-rated defender Ilya Zabarnyi.

The north London club have turned their focus to reinforcing their backline as new manager Thomas Frank continues shaping the squad to his vision ahead of the upcoming campaign.

After completing the signings of Mohammed Kudus and promising Japanese talent Kota Takai, Spurs have now set their sights on one of the Premier League’s emerging defensive stars.

Zabarnyi played a key role for Bournemouth during the 2024/25 season, earning praise for his composure, physical presence, and defensive awareness.

He built a commanding centre-back partnership with Dean Huijsen, helping the Cherries remain competitive throughout the campaign.

Former teammate Phillip Billing previously described Zabarnyi as an “elite duel winner” and “unbelievable” in his ability to read the game, positioning him among the most promising young defenders in the league.

With Dean Huijsen now having secured a move to Real Madrid, attention has shifted to Zabarnyi, whose consistency and maturity beyond his years have drawn attention from across Europe.

Paris Saint-Germain have already shown strong interest in the Ukraine international, but have yet to meet Bournemouth’s £60 million valuation, creating an opportunity for Tottenham to enter the race.

According to multiple reports, including insight from Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs are prepared to meet the Cherries’ asking price in order to fast-track negotiations and secure the player’s signature ahead of their rivals.

The willingness to go as high as £60 million underlines just how much Tottenham value Zabarnyi and see him as a central figure in their defensive rebuild.

At present, Tottenham’s core of central defenders includes Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and recent addition Kevin Danso.

Both Archie Gray and Ben Davies have also filled in at centre-back, providing useful cover when needed. However, with Cristian Romero heavily linked with a potential summer switch to Atletico Madrid, Spurs are preparing for the possibility of his departure.

Bringing in Zabarnyi would give the club added security and ensure there’s no loss of quality should the Argentine decide to move on.

Zabarnyi’s youth, physicality, and experience at both club and international level make him a natural fit for the Premier League’s demands.

His comfort on the ball and ability to play out from the back align with Thomas Frank’s tactical approach, which prioritizes controlled buildup and disciplined defending.

In many ways, Zabarnyi represents not just a replacement, but a step toward long-term stability in Tottenham’s defensive line.

While Paris Saint-Germain remain in the frame, Tottenham’s proactive approach and readiness to meet Bournemouth’s valuation could give them the edge.

With pre-season preparations already underway, Spurs are moving quickly to finalize key additions and ensure the squad is well-equipped for a competitive season across multiple fronts.

If Zabarnyi joins the ranks, it would signal another ambitious step by the club as they aim to reestablish themselves among the Premier League’s elite under their new manager.