Bournemouth Reopens Talks to Sign Lille Defender Bafode Diakite
Bournemouth has resumed negotiations to acquire Lille defender Bafode Diakite as Illia Zabarnyi edges closer to a £55 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Cherries had previously withdrawn from discussions with Lille regarding the £35 million asking price for the 24-year-old center-back.
However, with PSG reportedly agreeing to the fee for Ukraine international Zabarnyi—though talks about potential add-ons are still ongoing—Bournemouth is back in pursuit of Diakite.
Sources close to Diakite indicate that the former France Under-21 player has verbally accepted personal terms on a five-year contract, but negotiations between the clubs are still in progress regarding the transfer fee.
Lille president Olivier Letang had been hesitant to sell Diakite but did not dismiss the possibility of a central defender's departure when questioned about it on Friday afternoon, stating, "it's possible but only one."
Bournemouth is also looking to strengthen their defense further, especially after Dean Huijsen's £50 million transfer to Real Madrid earlier this summer. Additionally, they are considering the acquisition of another striker to enhance competition for Evanilson.
The south coast club has shown interest in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong and Sevilla center-back Loic Bade as potential signings.
PSG is optimistic about finalizing the deal for Zabarnyi within the next 48 hours, aiming to secure his arrival before the start of the French season.
All parties are confident in completing the transaction, despite reported interest from Tottenham.
Moreover, PSG is said to have signed Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for £35 million, as the French Treble winners are currently in a contract stalemate with their first-choice goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.