Sources: Tottenham “willing to pay the full asking price” for Chelsea & Liverpool target
Tottenham Hotspur have entered negotiations in a bid to secure the services of Bournemouth’s highly regarded centre-back, Illya Zabarnyi.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian has quickly developed into one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive talents, and his rise has drawn serious attention from several European heavyweights.
Tottenham, keen to bolster their backline ahead of the new season, see Zabarnyi as a strong candidate to fill the void should Cristian Romero depart this summer.
With Paris Saint-Germain aggressively pursuing Romero, the North London club has turned its focus toward Zabarnyi and is prepared to act decisively.
While Paris Saint-Germain remain persistent in their chase for Zabarnyi, submitting multiple bids reportedly in the region of €60 million, Bournemouth have shown little willingness to negotiate below their valuation.
The Cherries have firmly rejected all approaches so far, maintaining a price tag of around €70 million. Zabarnyi’s performances in the English top flight have only reinforced the club’s stance.
Bournemouth view him as a cornerstone of their defensive line, and any potential sale would require a substantial offer.
Tottenham have emerged as the most proactive suitor. Sources close to the negotiation indicate that Spurs are not only prepared to meet Bournemouth’s valuation but may also exceed it with a package involving performance-based bonuses.
This assertive stance sets them apart from other interested clubs and signals their serious intent to bring Zabarnyi to North London.
Despite Tottenham’s readiness to pay, the player remains focused on PSG, who are seen as his preferred destination. For now, he has yet to fully engage in discussions with Tottenham or any other English side, leaving the situation open-ended.
Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs are monitoring the scenario closely. Newcastle United view Zabarnyi as a potential long-term partner for Sven Botman and a key component in their ambitions for a deeper run in Europe.
Chelsea, always planning for the future, have placed him on their shortlist of defensive targets. Liverpool, too, are keeping tabs, exploring options in case Ibrahima Konaté becomes unavailable.
Although no official moves have been made by these clubs, their interest further intensifies the competition for Zabarnyi’s signature.
As Zabarnyi’s transfer request undergoes internal discussion at Bournemouth, PSG remain confident that an agreement can be reached before the summer window closes.
The allure of joining the reigning French champions and competing in Europe remains strong, but Bournemouth’s refusal to compromise on the fee poses a significant obstacle.
Zabarnyi’s desire to play at the highest level could eventually tip the scales, but only if PSG return with a substantially improved offer.
Nevertheless, Tottenham’s willingness to meet financial demands keeps them firmly in contention. Their approach has been both respectful and ambitious, offering Zabarnyi a leading role in one of England’s most ambitious projects.
While PSG might offer the glamour of continental football, Spurs can present a clear development pathway and a central role in their defensive rebuild.
Should Zabarnyi reconsider his stance and open up to Premier League opportunities, Tottenham could yet seal a crucial deal.
The coming weeks will be critical. Zabarnyi’s potential transfer is shaping up to be one of the summer’s defining sagas. Bournemouth, well aware of the interest, will likely hold out for the highest bidder.
Whether that proves to be PSG or a Premier League rival remains to be seen, but Tottenham’s position as the most financially prepared club gives them a decisive advantage in the race.