The transfer window has been open just over a week and Tottenham have already found success, signing three first team players, to help strengthen Antonio Conte’s squad. Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic signed two-year deals with the club before the window had already opened and Yves Bissouma became Spurs’ third signing, with his four-year deal announced on Friday.
This helps Conte in positions across the pitch, but the business can’t stop there. football.london previously reported that the 52-year-old wants at least six new arrivals this summer, meaning Spurs are halfway to fulfilling his wish.
Rumours have linked the Lilywhites with players from across the world, that can fulfill various positions. One of these players is Dynamo Kyiv’s defender, Ilya Zabarnyi.
READ MORE:Who is Ilya Zabarnyi? The £14m Alessandro Bastoni alternative Antonio Conte wants at Tottenham
football.londonunderstands that Tottenham have been watching the Ukrainian closely, with a view for a potential move this summer. Zabarnyi is right-footed but can play on either side of the back three.
Last season the 19-year-old made 19 Premier Liga appearances, before the termination of the Ukrainian league, following the invasion by Russia. The defender signed a five-year deal with his side last October, but a move could still be on the cards this summer.
The likes of Milan Skriniar, Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni have all been on Spurs’ radar, in their hunt for a new defender. Tottenham suffered a blow with the former, as he looks a step closer to making to move to Paris Saint-Germain.
It was also revealed that Bastoni seems more than likely to want to stay at Inter Milan, meaning Tottenham will have to look elsewhere to find a new defender. Conte’s back three performed well last season, especially in the final stretch.
The trio of Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies saw great improvement in their performances, as the campaign went on. However, the Italian could do with some more defenders to add depth to his squad and allow for rotation which will be needed with the busy fixture schedule to come.
Zabarnyi could be a perfect fit and the 19-year-old also made six Champions League appearances last season, handing Spurs an extra boost, as they re-enter the European competition after their fourth-place finish in the 2021/22 campaign. The defender has also made 22 appearances for his country and Ukrainian legend, Yozhef Sabo, has sung the praises of the youngster.
“Zabarnyi is a good player, he is serious about football and has to grow. He plays well in selection, in the air and in gear,” Sabo admitted, before making a clear statement. “He must be bought.”
According to Transfermarkt, the defender has a current market value of £13.5million. However, there is a rumoured valuation of more like £25.8million, but the 82-year-old believes the Ukranian could be worth more.
“I think he is more expensive. It is clear that he is a football player. And at once, plays great, has speed. Therefore, Babayan was not inferior in speed,” he said, as quoted by The Spurs Web.
“You [Dynamo] need to sell – he will have a completely different mood and motivation [if he joins Tottenham]. Of course, you shouldn’t pay for nothing – in a year or two, Zabarny will cost €50 million. [£43.5m].”
Sabo’s comments clearly indicate his belief in the youngster to become a great player and this could be exactly the type of player Conte would want in his plans. A member of the squad who is willing to learn, has some experience and can step-in when needed, whether that is in the Premier League or the various other competitions Spurs will be part of next season.
Only time will tell which defender the Lilywhites pursue, but Zabarnyi could be a strong contender.
Source by Football London
