PSG preparing to step up negotiations for sought-after Premier League star
When PSG first targeted Illia Zabarnyi, they knew they were pursuing one of the Premier League’s most intelligent and disciplined young defenders and they hoped to complete the transfer before their Club World Cup campaign even began.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian had become a key figure at Bournemouth last season, starting 35 league games and playing a major role in helping Andoni Iraola’s side finish 9th on the table.
According to multiple reports, PSG submitted a formal €60m [$70m] offer earlier this summer, which was promptly rejected by the Premier League side as they continued holding firm on their €70m [$81m] valuation of the defender who arrived from Dynamo Kyiv in 2023.
Although no new offer has gone in since then, Les Parisiens have already reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Zabarnyi who has expressed his desire to join the Ligue 1 champions in time for the new season.
With Lucas Beraldo unsettled due to his lack of minutes and possibly looking for a move away, PSG believe Zabarnyi fits both short-term needs and long-term squad balance especially after their treble-winning campaign added new pressure to sustain success in Europe.
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has now stepped into the negotiations personally, according to RMC Sports.
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The move clearly shows how the 2024/2025 Champions League winners are intending to resolve the gap and push over the finish line without delay.
Tottenham also eye PSG targetWhile Paris are preparing to resume discussions, Tottenham Hotspur have made move of their own with Caught Offside reporting that Thomas Frank’s side have spoken to Bournemouth and are ready to meet the full €70m valuation.
However, the London club will have difficulty convincing Zabarnyi, who prefers PSG’s sporting project.
PSG are also set to receive funds from Hugo Ekitike’s €95m [$111m] potential move to Liverpool via a sell-on clause which could allow them to match Bournemouth’s demands without delay.