Paris Saint-Germain closing in on deal for Illia Zabarnyi

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Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on a deal for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi, according to Matteo Moretto.

At just 22, the Ukrainian has established himself as one of the Premier League's most dependable centre-backs since his move from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023.

After signing a long-term extension in July 2024, tying him to Bournemouth until 2029, he has continued to impress with his composure, leadership qualities and ball-playing skills.

Consequently, Zabarnyi has caught the eye of reigning European champions PSG, whose sporting director Luis Campos made the trip to England in pursuit of the defender.

Zabarnyi was immediately willing to make the switch to the Parc des Princes. However, his current employers were reportedly holding out for €75 million.

After continuous negotiations over the last couple of days, Bournemouth are now close to striking an agreement with their French counterparts for around €60m.

PSG would have ideally liked to sign Zabarnyi before heading to the United States for the Club World Cup, but Bournemouth's original asking price proved to be a tough hurdle.

For Zabarnyi, the move represents a major career step, providing him with Champions League football, higher visibility on the European stage, and the opportunity to develop under one of Europe's most ambitious clubs.

For PSG, the acquisition would demonstrate their commitment to blending youth and experience as they look to continue their continental dominance off the back of a maiden UCL title.

Bournemouth, while reluctant to lose such a valuable asset, may see the fee as too substantial to refuse, particularly as they look to reinvest and strengthen other areas of their squad.

The Cherries have already agreed a deal to sign Adrian Truffert as Milos Kerkez nears a move to Liverpool, but further defensive reinforcements are expected sooner rather than later.