Spurs ‘Willing to Pay’ €70m to Sign Premier League Defender

Tottenham Prepared to Meet Zabarnyi Price but Face PSG Hurdle

Spurs Ready to Spend Big on Bournemouth’s Defensive Star

Tottenham Hotspur have opened formal talks with Bournemouth for the transfer of centre-back Illya Zabarnyi, as reported by Caught Offside. The 22-year-old Ukrainian international has become one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the Premier League, and Spurs are determined to move ahead of their rivals.

With Cristian Romero’s future uncertain, Zabarnyi is seen as a natural replacement, offering maturity beyond his years and Premier League experience. Tottenham are willing to meet Bournemouth’s valuation and, according to Caught Offside, “Tottenham stands out as a club ‘willing to pay the full asking price’ for Zabarnyi. Reports suggest they are preparing an offer that could exceed €70 million, including bonuses.”

That level of commitment underlines the north London club’s intent to build a robust defensive unit under Thomas Frank, with Zabarnyi viewed as a long-term cornerstone.

Photo IMAGO

PSG Still Front of Mind for Zabarnyi

While Spurs are financially ready to act, they are not alone. Paris Saint-Germain remain firmly in the race and have submitted multiple offers close to €60 million, all of which have been rejected by Bournemouth. The south coast club maintain a valuation closer to €70 million and are unlikely to entertain anything less.

Despite Spurs’ willingness to meet the price, they face one key obstacle. “The player remains focused on PSG and is not actively engaging in talks with other clubs,” reports Caught Offside. That detail may prove decisive. Zabarnyi has long been linked with a move to the French champions and may see the Parc des Princes as the most glamorous stage to continue his development.

Premier League Rivals Circle Quietly

Tottenham are not the only English club watching this situation with interest. Newcastle United are in the market for a centre-back to pair with Sven Botman as they return to the Champions League. Chelsea, continuing their long-term squad rebuild, have added Zabarnyi to their defensive shortlist. Liverpool, too, are monitoring developments and view him as a potential successor to Ibrahima Konaté, though they have yet to take definitive action.

Bournemouth, for their part, are under no pressure to sell cheaply. Zabarnyi’s Premier League performances and international pedigree give them every right to command a significant fee. His transfer request is under internal review, but any exit will be strictly on their terms.

Zabarnyi Has Proved Premier League Pedigree

Illya Zabarnyi has adapted quickly to life in England, showing tactical intelligence, composure on the ball and strength in duels. He has become a linchpin in Bournemouth’s defence and would represent a significant upgrade to many top-six squads. Spurs’ interest is logical. They need defensive clarity, and Zabarnyi, at 22, offers the right blend of readiness and long-term potential.

Photo: IMAGO

The battle now is less about money and more about persuasion. Can Spurs convince the player that their project is worth prioritising over a move to Paris? Or will Zabarnyi bide his time and wait for PSG to meet Bournemouth’s demands?

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Tottenham, the pursuit of Illya Zabarnyi makes complete sense. He is young, proven in the league and clearly rising fast. Spending over €70 million is a significant investment, but this is the kind of ambition many Spurs fans have long wanted to see when it comes to building from the back.

Cristian Romero has been crucial, but his injury record and occasional lapses in discipline leave concerns. Adding Zabarnyi would provide real depth and the chance to form a long-term partnership that could anchor the defence for seasons to come.

The frustration lies in the player’s preference. If Zabarnyi truly has his heart set on PSG, then there is only so much Tottenham can do. That said, the club have a strong pitch to make. Regular Premier League minutes, a competitive project under Frank and the chance to become a central figure at one of England’s biggest clubs.

Should this move fall through, Spurs must pivot quickly. Fans want the club to act decisively in the window, and missing out due to delay or uncertainty would feel like a familiar story. But if they land Zabarnyi, it signals real intent and an evolution in transfer strategy.