Tottenham Hotspur are set to rival Chelsea in a fierce race to sign Bournemouth’s standout defender, Illia Zabarnyi, with both Premier League clubs reportedly keen on securing his signature.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian international has caught the eye of some of England’s top clubs following his excellent performances in the Premier League. Now, as the January transfer window draws nearer, both Spurs and Chelsea are preparing to go head-to-head for the highly-rated centre-back.
Tottenham’s interest in Zabarnyi comes as part of their ongoing search for defensive reinforcements. With the potential loss of Cristian Romero to Real Madrid still looming, Spurs have turned their attention to strengthening their backline. Under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, who has already overseen an exciting transformation at the North London club, Zabarnyi has emerged as a key target. Spurs have been tracking the Bournemouth star for some time, and it’s clear they are eager to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the near future.
Bournemouth have recently secured Zabarnyi’s future with a new long-term contract, which runs until the summer of 2029. This move is a reward for the young defender’s consistent and solid form in the Premier League, as he continues to showcase his potential at the top level. However, despite this long-term deal, reports suggest that Bournemouth could be willing to let him go for the right price, with a figure of around £50 million (€60 million / $63.3 million) likely to be enough to tempt them into a sale. This valuation has put both Tottenham and Chelsea on alert, sparking the potential for an intense bidding war.
Zabarnyi’s future is now the subject of intense speculation, with two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs battling it out for his signature. The Ukrainian defender’s performances have earned widespread praise for his maturity and composure at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence, making him one of the most sought-after young centre-backs in the league. For Tottenham, adding Zabarnyi to their ranks would represent a statement signing and provide valuable depth to their defensive options.
While Tottenham have been closely monitoring Zabarnyi for some time, Chelsea’s interest in the defender has come into sharper focus in recent days. Mauricio Maresca, who is currently leading the charge at Stamford Bridge, is said to be a huge admirer of Zabarnyi’s ability. Despite having a strong selection of centre-backs, including the likes of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, Maresca is keen to add Zabarnyi to his squad. The Ukrainian international’s competitive edge could be exactly what Chelsea need as they aim to push for a top-four finish and make strides towards returning to the pinnacle of English football.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Maresca’s plans at Chelsea have already shown signs of improvement, with the Blues enjoying a solid start to the 2024/25 season. If this form continues, it could prove to be an attractive proposition for Zabarnyi, who would have the opportunity to join a club with both domestic and European ambitions. While Chelsea’s recent struggles in the transfer market have been well-documented, their resurgence under Maresca could be a pivotal factor in convincing Zabarnyi to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Tottenham’s pull should not be underestimated. Under Postecoglou, Spurs have shown significant promise, with a revamped squad and an exciting brand of football. The allure of playing under the Australian manager, who has rejuvenated Tottenham’s style of play, could be a major factor in Zabarnyi’s decision. Moreover, Spurs’ emphasis on youth development and long-term planning could appeal to a player of Zabarnyi’s potential, offering him a platform to continue his growth at the highest level.
The potential signing of Zabarnyi would be a crucial move for whichever club secures him. Both Tottenham and Chelsea are keen to build strong foundations for the future, and the 22-year-old could be a key part of their defensive setups for years to come. In particular, Zabarnyi’s ability to read the game, his physical presence, and his composure on the ball make him a highly valuable commodity in the modern game.
Should both Tottenham and Chelsea engage in a bidding war for Zabarnyi, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds. Spurs have the advantage of a relatively stable squad under Postecoglou, but Chelsea’s financial muscle and ambition under Maresca could sway the balance in their favour. With both clubs vying for supremacy in the Premier League and Europe, securing a player of Zabarnyi’s quality would be a major coup for either side.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Zabarnyi has shown that he is capable of thriving in high-pressure situations. His experience at both Dynamo Kyiv and Bournemouth has helped him develop the resilience and leadership qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League. Whether he ends up at Tottenham or Chelsea, the young Ukrainian is poised to make a significant impact in England’s top flight.
As the January transfer window approaches, both Tottenham and Chelsea will be watching Zabarnyi closely, eager to secure his services. His future may still be up in the air, but one thing is for certain: the highly-rated centre-back’s performances have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League. It’s now a matter of which club can make the right offer to Bournemouth and convince the player that their project is the right one for his career.
Tottenham’s hunt for a new central defender is likely to intensify in the coming months, especially if they lose Romero to Real Madrid. Should they fail to land Zabarnyi, Postecoglou and Spurs will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements. Chelsea, on the other hand, have made it clear that they are serious about bolstering their defensive ranks, with Zabarnyi seen as a player who could add competition and quality to their backline.
Ultimately, the race to sign Illia Zabarnyi is set to become one of the most intriguing storylines in the Premier League’s January transfer window. With two of the league’s biggest clubs involved, the outcome of this battle could have long-term implications for both Tottenham and Chelsea’s ambitions, not to mention Zabarnyi’s development as one of Europe’s top young defenders.