Manchester City are not done in the 2025 summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola entered the current market intending to add four to five new faces to his Man City squad, and that goal was reached this week as the Premier League club confirmed the signing of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg.
Fabrizio Romano believes Man City will add a right-back to their squad next, although the Manchester club have found it difficult to acquire for this role so far.
One position that is unlikely to be touched this summer is centre-back, and as a result, City could miss out on one of their long-term targets, who is now wanted by Tottenham.
Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi is now a target for Tottenham
Manchester City have held long-term interest in Illia Zabarnyi as the Ukrainian centre-back was tipped to be Ruben Dias’ replacement at the Etihad Stadium, having impressed in the Premier League ever since moving to Bournemouth in 2023 from Dynamo Kyiv.
It was reported in May that Man City remain interested in Zabarnyi, with the Cherries placing a £50m price tag on the 22-year-old, but the Manchester club are likely to miss out on the Ukraine international this summer, as there is interest from elsewhere.
According to Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have registered their interest in signing Zabarnyi ahead of the new season; however, the North London club face tough competition from PSG, with the current Champions League holders believed to still be keen on the centre-back.
The transfer expert states that Bournemouth will demand a significant fee for one of their star players and are under no pressure to sell Zabarnyi, as the Ukrainian international has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2029.
PSG were believed to be in the lead for Zabarnyi this summer, as it was previously reported that the Ukrainian international was keen on a move to Paris and had already given the green light to the transfer.
However, things are likely to heat up regarding the 22-year-old’s future, a battle Man City are currently staying out of.
Man City already have Ruben Dias’ replacement
Despite a strong end to the 24/25 campaign alongside Josko Gvardiol, Dias’ performances last season indicated that the Portuguese star is on the decline.
A new contract is set to be offered to the defender soon, and that has supporters divided, as some Man City fans would like to see Dias moved on.
Therefore, City think that Gvardiol and Dias will be their centre-back pairing for a few more years, which means there is no need to spend £50m on a player such as Zabarnyi.
Man City already have Dias’ replacement at the club, having signed Vitor Reis in January, who the Premier League giants hope will take a big step forward over the coming 12 months.
Ederson believes Reis will become one of the best centre-backs in the world, a prediction City fans hope comes true.
