Bournemouth advance in £35m transfer talks with Lille over top defensive target

It's only a matter of time as Zabarnyi moves closer to clinching a transfer to Parc des Princes. The Ukrainian defender has been a target for PSG all summer, and as his departure looms, Bournemouth have found a replacement for the departing defender. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bournemouth maintain a strong interest in Lille's defender Diakite and are looking into potential plans to sign the French defender.

Discussions between the English club and Lille are ongoing. The French club reportedly want €40 million (£35m/$46m) for the 24-year-old, and Bournemouth have proposed an offer near their asking price. Diakite has been an integral part of the team since his arrival from Toulouse in 2021. The defender played 48 games across all competitions in Lille's last campaign, in which he scored four goals and provided one assist.

PSG had expected to complete the transfer of Zabarnyi much earlier in the transfer window, but even though the club agreed on personal terms with the player, the English club are holding on for a better deal as they are seeking an additional €3m in bonuses. The French club are making progress and are expected to sign the defender for €63m (£54m/$73m) and add him to the squad before the Super Cup clash against Tottenham.

Bournemouth have had a complete revamp of their defensive line this season, with only Marco Senesi still a part of the main defensive line from the last campaign. The Cherries have also signed left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes and Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic to bolster their backline. The club will also look to complete Diakite's signing before the league kicks off on August 16.