Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is reportedly preparing to submit an enhanced offer to secure the services of Bournemouth`s 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back, Illia Zabarnyi. This development comes as the Champions League winners aim to reinforce and rejuvenate their defensive line.
Strategic Defensive Reinforcement
PSG has identified Zabarnyi as an ideal long-term replacement for their veteran defender Marquinhos, who is set to turn 32 next year. Additionally, the club faces uncertainty regarding the future of Lucas Beraldo, who is rumored to have requested a transfer during the recent Club World Cup.
Negotiations and Valuation Gap
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, personal terms between PSG and Zabarnyi were already agreed upon last month. However, a significant hurdle remains concerning the transfer fee. Bournemouth is reportedly holding out for a sum of €70 million, while PSG`s latest offer stands at €60 million. Romano suggests that PSG is poised to re-engage Bournemouth to find a mutually agreeable compromise.
Financial Backing and Presidential Involvement
The Ligue 1 champions have recently benefited from a substantial financial boost this summer, largely due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. RMC Sport indicates that PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi is expected to personally intervene in the negotiations to finalize the deal for Zabarnyi. Furthermore, it is understood that performance-related bonuses from Hugo Ekitike`s €90 million transfer to Liverpool could provide PSG with additional funds, potentially enabling them to meet Bournemouth`s valuation for the promising defender.
