Paris Saint-Germain, who claimed the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League treble last season, show no sign of slowing down their summer reinforcements. Despite boasting a young and competitive squad, their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final exposed weaknesses in central defensive depth and uncertainties in goal. As a result, PSG are set to finalize two blockbuster signings for a total of €110 million: Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi and Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, targeting defensive improvements.
The 23-year-old Ukrainian centre-back Zabarnyi has emerged as a "Premier League-toughened defender". From his early rise at Dynamo Kyiv to his €22.7 million move to Bournemouth in 2023, where he quickly became a mainstay, his 1.89m frame, precise marking, and solid distribution have seen him make 86 appearances in two seasons, boosting his value to €42 million. PSG have long coveted him, and after prolonged talks, the two sides have broadly agreed on a €65-70 million fee. He will rotate with Marquinhos and others to strengthen the central defense.
The 24-year-old Chevalier is a rising star between the sticks in Ligue 1. A product of Lille's youth academy, he has kept 44 clean sheets in 127 appearances over two seasons, winning last term's Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year award with 11 clean sheets and over 3 saves per game. The 1.92m French prospect, blessed with sharp reflexes and top-class shot-stopping, is widely regarded as a future star. PSG sealed the deal for €40 million, directly addressing the situation with Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract expires in a year. The Italian goalkeeper's refusal to accept a pay cut in renewal talks has deadlocked negotiations, and Chevalier's arrival could hasten his exit.
Notably, while Donnarumma is a top-tier talent, his €13 million annual salary and stalled renewal have tested PSG's patience. Chevalier, though promising, faces questions over immediate replacement. Regardless, the €110 million double signing underscores PSG's 决心 to fortify their defense, making their title defense next season all the more intriguing.
