Fabrizio Romano has reported that a player Tottenham Hotspur reportedly bid for a few weeks ago is now set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham have had a decent enough transfer window so far, making a number of signings including Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel.
However, Spurs could certainly do with some more reinforcements, particularly at centre-back and in central midfield.
Tottenham recently tried their luck with an offer for a particularly impressive Premier League defender, but sadly he had already made his decision over his next career move.
Ilya Zabarnyi snubs Tottenham in favour of Paris Saint-Germain move
The player in question is Bournemouth and Ukraine defender Ilya Zabarnyi, who Tottenham reportedly bid for in mid-July.
Duncan Castles told The Transfer Podcasts at the time: “Guidance from Bournemouth is that Tottenham have offered €70million (£60.5million) for the player, which is owner Bill Foley’s asking price.”
However, Zabarnyi only ever had eyes for Paris Saint-Germain and, according to Fabrizio Romano, PSG head coach Luis Enrique is set to get his man for £58million.
Romano wrote on X: “Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, here we go!
“New centre-back for Luis Enrique, set to sign five-year deal after fee package worth €67m verbally agreed with Bournemouth.
“Zabarnyi will travel ahead of UEFA Super Cup for medical.”
How Tottenham could be made to rue Ilya Zabarnyi missed opportunity in just a few days’ time
Tottenham were linked with Zabarnyi – a player who Philip Billing deemed “unbelievable” – back in 2022 when Antonio Conte was in charge of the club.
Zabarnyi was playing for Dynamo Kyiv at the time, so it would have been the perfect opportunity for Spurs to sign him when he was still relatively unknown.
However, Tottenham’s approach this year has come after Zabarnyi proved himself in the Premier League, prompting interest from the newly-crowned Champions League winners.
Worse still for Spurs, they will be up against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup in a few days, so there’s a good chance Zabarnyi will be in contention to go up against them in such a key game.