PSG open talks with Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi | OneFootball

PSG have a taken a serious interest in Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi (22), according to a report this Friday from L’Equipe. The outlet has published its winter transfer window’s special edition. PSG are reportedly in the market for a right-footed centre-back, which would act as Marquinhos’ understudy and, perhaps, his replacement considering the Brazilian skipper will turn 31 next year. Despite a long-term contract with Les Parisiens running until 2028, Saudi clubs are keeping an interest in bringing Marquinhos to the SPL.

With Milan Skriniar expected to leave, PSG have taken steps to ramp up their pursuit of a right-footed centre-back and Bournemouth’s Zabarnyi seems to tick all the boxes. PSG Sporting advisor looks for an experienced, duel-winning centre-back young enough to embed Luis Enrique’s tactics. Zabarnyi is a mainstay for Andoni Iraola’s Cherries and has not missed a single minute of Premier League action this campaign. Initial talks between the player and the Ligue 1 champions have reportedly taken place.

However, L’Equipe adds that bringing the Ukraine international may prove difficult for PSG considering Zabarnyi could be teammate with a Russian national, goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval