‘Tottenham make Cristian Romero decision as Zabarnyi deal edges closer’
Tottenham are deciding on Cristian Romero’s future as they look to bring in Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi.
It’s been a busy transfer window for Spurs, bringing in West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus as well as signing upcoming talent in Kota Takai.
Spending under former Brentford boss Thomas Frank is set to continue as they brace to compete in the Champions League following their triumph in the Europa League last campaign.
Squad depth proved to be a major issue under Ange Postecoglou, which has seen Daniel Levy spend over £125million already this transfer window.
With all the player incomings, Tottenham will need to facilitate some sales in order to continue funding the summer investments.
Tottenham eyeing Zabarnyi deal
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported Tottenham’s interest in the Ukrainian defender with Bournemouth open to an offer in excess of £60m.
The Cherries have been raided this summer, losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola will want to keep the 22-year-old for next season, or risk losing three of his first-choice back four ahead of the new campaign.
Romero’s Tottenham future uncertain
A move for Bournemouth’s centre-back would leave Spurs with a plethora of options at the heart of defence, potentially paving an exit for Tottenham’s skipper.
The 27-year-old has spent four seasons in north London, becoming one of the key components of the team, winning a World Cup and a Copa America during this time.
Amid interest from Real Madrid and tensions on-and-off the pitch such as storming off the pitch in Tottenham’s 4-2 loss to Wolves at the end of last season, you sense Romero could potentially depart the club.
If Frank does land Zabarnyi, he’d have eight first-team centre-backs to choose from.
| Tottenham centre-backs 2025-26 | Age |
| Cristian Romero | 27 |
| Radu Dragusin | 23 |
| Micky van de Ven | 24 |
| Luka Vuskovic | 18 |
| Ben Davies | 32 |
| Kevin Danso | 26 |
| Kota Takai | 20 |
Cashing in on the Argentinian would be a sensible play given his market value of £39.9m according to Sofascore.
Yet, the former Atalanta star has built a formidable partnership with Micky van de Ven in defence, which was disrupted by injuries last season.
Should the defender leave this summer ahead of Frank’s first campaign in charge, the Spurs hierarchy have to make sure that Zabarnyi is the right man to replace Romero.