PSG eyeing summer move for Ukrainian star on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar

Paris Saint-Germain are trying to wrap up a deal for Tottenham target Illia Zabarnyi quickly

Tottenham Hotspur have not yet managed to make a move in the summer transfer market. Spurs are already playing catch-up with their rivals in the transfer market, so Daniel Levy must accelerate the plans to bring in quality players to North London and build on the Europa League success in Bilbao last month.

Now that the new boss in Thomas Frank is also at the helm, the Lilywhites have to up their pursuit of summer targets. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful are rightly worried that the club might miss out on their intended targets if they move sluggishly in the summer.

There is a clear need to strengthen the defensive ranks after last campaign’s problems with injuries, lack of depth and inconsistency. The current crop of central defenders spent time on the sidelines, leading to no stability at all to build on results. Tottenham are planning to bring in a new defender to improve the depth of the squad, as Thomas Frank looks to compete well in multiple competitions.

With Cristian Romero heading for a potential exit in the summer, Daniel Levy must sign a quality replacement that could become the pillar of strength at the back for the Lilywhites. It was reported earlier this year that Spurs were interested in signing Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi. The interest still remains as the North Londoners remain keen on upgrading their defensive unit.

However, there is a twist in the transfer saga as Spurs aren’t the only club interested in the Bournemouth defender. According to a report from Football Insider, Paris Saint-Germain are keen on signing Illia Zabarnyi. They are eager to wrap up a deal swiftly, as talks are advancing between both clubs.

Since making the move to Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev in January 2024, Zabarnyi has made 86 outings in all competitions, including 78 Premier League appearances. He was the mainstay of the Cherries defence alongside Dean Huijsen, who has already sealed a big-money switch to Real Madrid after an incredible season at the south coast.

With his composure on the ball, leadership skills, physicality and recovery pace, the Ukrainian international has won plenty of admirers across the Premier League and Europe. That is why Paris Saint-Germain trying to wrap up a deal for him is a big blow for Tottenham.

PSG became the European champions after smashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final at the end of May. Luis Enrique has done an incredible job at the Parc des Princes, and he wants to further improve the squad for next season’s title defence. With Marquinhos 31, PSG are perhaps looking for a succession plan and view Zabarnyi as the perfect candidate to succeed the Brazilian.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• 3 players likely to lose their first team roles at Tottenham Hotspur as Thomas Frank takes charge – Opinion
• Club World Cup axe fails to dishearten Thomas Frank; Dane pushing Tottenham to land 29-year-old who can replace Son
• Chelsea could trigger transfer chain reaction as AC Milan earmark Tottenham star

With Tottenham working on other deals and the French champions accelerating their pursuit of the Bournemouth man, Levy will have to hijack the move if his club are seriously interested in Zabarnyi. For now, though, PSG making a strong push for the Ukrainian star is a setback for the Lilywhites.