Bournemouth Renew Pursuit of Diakite as PSG Close in on Zabarnyi

Bournemouth have reignited talks to sign Lille centre-back Bafode Diakite after Paris St-Germain move closer to securing Illia Zabarnyi for around £55m.

Bournemouth withdrew from negotiations earlier this summer over Lille’s £35m valuation of 24-year-old Diakite. With PSG reaching a near £55m agreement for Ukraine international Zabarnyi—pending add-ons—the Cherries have returned to Lille to revive the defender’s pursuit.

Sources reveal Diakite, a former France Under-21 international, has verbally accepted a five-year deal. However, clubs are still negotiating the final transfer fee. Lille president Olivier Létang recently indicated that selling one central defender remains a possibility.

The south coast side, having lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m, are seeking further defensive reinforcements. They are also open to adding a striker to compete with Evanilson and have monitored Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Sevilla’s Loïc Bade.

PSG hope to finalize Zabarnyi’s transfer within 48 hours ahead of the new Ligue 1 season. Despite reported interest from Tottenham, all parties are confident of completing the deal. Meanwhile, PSG have reportedly agreed a £35m fee with Lille for goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier amid a contract dispute with Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Bournemouth’s renewed interest in Diakite underscores their urgency to bolster the defence after Dean Huijsen’s exit and PSG’s imminent capture of Zabarnyi.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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