According to Le Parisien and RMC Sport, Bournemouth’s 22-year-old central defender Ilya Zabarnyi (contract until 2028) has become Paris Saint-Germain’s priority for strengthening its defense this summer. The Parisian club has intensified talks with Bournemouth, without a written offer for the time being, but with a clear desire to conclude this key mercato dossier quickly.
“As revealed by @RMCsport, Ilya Zabarnyi is PSG’s priority. Track explored since last October. No written offer, but discussions between the two sporting directors.”
PSG are working hard behind the scenes to secure the arrival of Ilya Zabarnyi, considered by Luis Enrique and Luis Campos to be the ideal recruit to densify the Parisian defensive axis. After a full season in the Premier League, the Ukrainian has won over the Parisian staff, who are keen to attract him before the Club World Cup. Negotiations have accelerated since the Champions League victory, with Paris hoping to finalize the deal for a sum in excess of 50 million euros.
Although the presence of Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov initially held Zabarnyi back, the player has now been reassured by management and is open to the Parisian project. PSG are nevertheless keeping other leads in reserve in the event of failure, but have made Zabarnyi their top priority to strengthen their defense this summer.