PAOK has made signing a central defender a priority, but a move for Zenit's 24-year-old Serbian international Strahinja Eraković is considered unlikely. Eraković was proposed to the club, which has also been linked with his teammate Vanja Drkušić. It is improbable that either player will transfer to PAOK, even though one of them is expected to leave Zenit following the arrival of Diveev. The Russian club is seeking options in the Balkans for the departing defender. Eraković, who has 18 caps for Serbia, joined Zenit in July 2023 and has a contract until June 2027; he has made 12 appearances in the Premier Liga this season. His current market value is estimated at €7.50m by Transfermarkt, and he has also been linked with Crvena Zvezda and Beşiktaş. According to December 2025 reports, Zenit is asking €7 million from Crvena Zvezda and is quoting a price of €10 million to €12 million for other clubs. He previously transferred from Crvena Zvezda to Zenit in July 2023 for a reported €8 million.