Bournemouth reach an agreement for Ilya Zabarnyi amid Tottenham transfer hunt

Tottenham have been chasing Ilya Zabarnyi throughout the summer transfer window.

The Bournemouth centre-half has heavily impressed in his first two-and-a-half years in England and is subject to plenty of interest.

It was reported that Tottenham had submitted a club record fee for Zabarnyi earlier in the window. 

However, with just over a week to go until the start of the Premier League season, the Ukrainian remains a Cherries player. 

Now, the transfer saga has developed further, going into the final weeks of the window.

Thomas Frank Tottenham

PSG agree £52m fee for Zabarnyi

Alongside Spurs, PSG have also been chasing Zabarnyi throughout the summer. 

However, it now appears that the Champions League holders are set to beat Tottenham to the defender.

According to L’Equipe on 7 August, Bournemouth and PSG reached an agreement of around £52 million for the transfer of Zabarnyi.

While this is not a full agreement, with the bonuses that will accompany the fixed fee yet to be finalised, this is set to be completed by the end of the week, estimated to be between £870,000 and £2.6m.

Zabarnyi is expected to sign a five-year contract at PSG and could well face Spurs in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday. 

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison places his hand on his head.
Credit: Imago

Tottenham do not need Zabarnyi

As good as Zabarnyi is, Spurs simply do not need a new centre-back this summer. 

Cristian Romero appears to be staying at Tottenham, and back-ups such as Luka Vuskovic impressed during pre-season under Frank.

Moreover, there are more pressing areas that need reinforcing, such as the midfield now that James Maddison is set for months on the sidelines

Hopefully, Frank will now look to prioritise a Maddison replacement rather than look to strengthen an already strong backline. 

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