PSG head into their summer break on the back of a historic 2024/25 season after lifting four major trophies and reaching the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Even after a campaign filled with silverware, the Ligue 1 champions are still looking to strength their squad with central defence a key focus for Luis Enrique.
The Parisians 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the final exposed clear cracks in terms of defensive depth, with the suspended Willian Pacho a key absentee, as the backup options failed to cope with pressure in New Jersey.
Marquinhos remains as the defensive leader and a certain starter, but PSG cannot rely on him alone for another full season, particularly with Lucas Beraldo reportedly asking to leave in search of a bigger role elsewhere.
To fill the gap, PSG could turned to the Premier League in pursuit of Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi, but their efforts so far have faced strong resistance, as the French giants struggle to convince Andoni Iraola to sell the Ukrainian.
Bournemouth unconvinced by PSG transfer offer
PSG have made Zabarnyi their number one centre-back target, but the Cherries have already turned down two transfer offers, with The Independent confirming the second bid reached nearly €60m [$69m].
As the saga rolls on, Bournemouth are demanding €70m [$81m] for the 22-year-old, in excess of the €57m [$67m] Real Madrid paid for Dean Huijsen earlier this summer.
Zabarnyi is open to a possible move, according to L’Equipe’s Loïc Tanzi, but RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins reports there has been little movement in talks in recent days.
As part of a plan to cast their transfer net wider, PSG are also tracking Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool, but interest from Real Madrid could make that deal complex.
Bournemouth are realistic over their chances of retaining Zabarnyi beyond August, with the lure of UEFA Champions League football on offer in Paris a major pull factor, but Iraola is trying to avoid losing half of his first-choice backline in less than two months.
The Cherries can also maintain a position of power within the negotiations, due to interest from Newcastle United and Manchester City, and Zabarnyi under contract until 2029.
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