PSG hold further talks for Bournemouth star with the defender keen to join Champions League winners after breakout season
Paris Saint-Germain have held further talks over a move for Bournemouth centre back Ilya Zabarnyi.
The Ukrainian, who is one of a number of Cherries stars to have had something of a breakthrough season under Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium, is keen on the move.
The South Coast outfit have already seen Dean Huijsen depart for £50million to Real Madrid, and Liverpool are in talks over a move for left back Milos Kerkez over a deal that could reach as much as £45m.
To also lose Zabarnyi would leave Iraola with an almighty rebuild over the summer having put together a brilliant side based on defensive prowess that surged beyond the club’s record Premier League finish and points tally.
Only five teams in the top flight conceded fewer goals than Iraola’s side last season, who finished ninth in the standings.
Ukrainian defender Zabarnyi has caught the eye since joining the Cherries from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023.
Ilya Zabarnyi has drawn interest from Paris Saint-Germain after a breakout campaign
Luis Enrique’s side are the reigning champions of Europe and are an exciting youthful team
Andoni Iraola could face a massive rebuild this summer after already losing Dean Huijsen
The 22-year-old started all but three of Bournemouth’s Premier League matches last season and he was suspended for two of those, as he soon become one of the most important players in the team.
The Cherries have already enquired about a move for Bologna’s Coppa Italia winning centre back Jhon Lucumi, with Huijsen already out the door and on the way to Madrid.
The 26-year old has 28 caps for Colombia, but Bournemouth will face competition with Serie A giants Inter Milan also showing interest.
In what is set to be a busy summer for them, Bournemouth have also asked about PSV forward Johan Bakayoko and are prepared to make an offer in the region of £20m to secure his services.
The 22-year-old Belgium international has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs and Bournemouth want to bolster their attacking options for manager Andoni Iraola.
The Cherries are determined to strengthen despite their talented squad being targeted by elite European clubs.
Bakayoko impressed against Liverpool in the Champions League this season and was the subject of a failed £17m bid from Burnley in 2023.
