Premier League player responds to rumours amid Tottenham links | OneFootball

Illia Zabarnyi, the Ukrainian centre-back who has impressed since his summer 2023 move to Bournemouth, has recently addressed the growing speculation linking him with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old has been in solid form at the back for the Cherries, and his performances have reportedly caught the attention of clubs like Spurs.

Valued at £50 million, Zabarnyi has become one of the most talked-about defenders in the Premier League.

Premier League player responds to rumours amid Tottenham links

AFC Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League / Dan Istitene/GettyImages

Tottenham have been closely monitoring Zabarnyi, with some reports suggesting that the North London club may be preparing a move for him in January.

In fact, CaughtOffside reported just a couple of weeks ago that Spurs are keen to add the Ukrainian international to their ranks.

Further backing up this claim, TEAMtalk revealed last week that Tottenham were tracking Zabarnyi even before his move to Bournemouth.

Despite the intense rumours, Zabarnyi has remained tight-lipped about his future.

When asked directly whether he was considering a move to either Tottenham or Liverpool, he responded, "Liverpool or Tottenham? I don’t know yet."

Although he’s aware of the rumours, he seems to be focused on his current role at Bournemouth and isn't rushing into any career decisions at this point.

A crucial season for Zabarnyi's career

Zabarnyi did offer some insight into his mindset for this season, admitting that it is an important year for his development.

The defender explained, "Is this season decisive for me? Perhaps yes. Every year is important for me, last season after injuries was also important. I proved myself well. Now everything is also in my hands, it all depends on me."

It’s clear that Zabarnyi sees this season as an opportunity to continue proving himself and making strides towards the next phase of his career.

For Tottenham, the need for a new centre-back is not a pressing one. While they are keeping an eye on potential signings, Spurs are currently looking for a backup rather than a starting player.

The situation could change if they lose one of their key defenders, Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven, but at the moment, a move for a £50 million player seems unlikely. Tottenham are more likely to target players in the £20m-£30m range, especially for squad depth.