Vanja Drkusic is PAOK's main target for strengthening their defense, and Ivan Savvidis is trying to complete the deal. The Slovenian defender's manager, Mladen Ratkovica, stated that while there have been many reports about a transfer to PAOK, nothing has been completed. Drkusic is currently a Zenit player and has a long-term contract with the club. There is also interest in Drkusic from other clubs, and PAOK and other clubs are currently discussing the matter, with all decisions being made at the club level. The manager said they receive calls about Vanja daily, but an offer must suit both clubs and the player. Ratkovica also stated that Drkusic is happy at Zenit.

According to reports from Russia, PAOK is nearing an agreement with Zenit for Vanja Drkusic. Ivan Karpov reported that PAOK and Drkusic have already agreed on a contract with annual earnings of approximately one million euros. The representative for Drkusic did not confirm the financial figures but stated that the primary unresolved matter is the negotiations with Zenit, which will decide the outcome of the transfer. Russian reports indicate optimism that discussions between PAOK and Zenit could result in an agreement, with the release clause estimated at slightly more than three million euros. Drkusic has a contract with Zenit until the summer of 2027.

According to Sport.ru, PAOK has reached an agreement with Zenit for the transfer of Vanja Drkusic after increasing their offer to 4 million euros. The initial demands from the club from St. Petersburg were 6 million euros, an amount PAOK was not willing to pay. It is reported that negotiations between the two sides are at an advanced stage. Russian journalist Ivan Karpov reports on Telegram that PAOK has also reached an agreement with the player's side for a contract worth 1 million euros per year. PAOK has not confirmed the information from Russia.

Mladen Ratkovic, the agent for Vanja Drkusic, confirmed to a Russian media outlet that PAOK is interested in the player. Ratkovic stated that Drkusic is a player for Zenit and has a contract, and will remain a member of the team from the first day of winter preparation unless that changes. The agent also mentioned that PAOK is one of the teams showing interest, but said that until an agreement is reached with Zenit by one of them, Drkusic will continue to play for a very big club where he is very happy.

The Slovenian website sportskacentrala.com reports that Vanja Drkusic has received a proposal to leave Zenit for a move to Greece, and that interest from PAOK is certain. According to Russian media, the only remaining issue is the final agreement on financial terms. Zenit is demanding approximately 4–5 million euros, while the Greek club has offered a lower amount and is seeking a compromise. PAOK believes that negotiations are possible, partly because Vanja Drkusic reportedly views the potential move positively. In a statement to the Russian website euro-football.ru, Drkusic's agent, Mladen Ratkovica, stated that the transfer could happen in January if an agreement is reached by all parties, and he confirmed that the matter is in the final stage of negotiations.

Vanja Drkusic is a primary target for PAOK for the central defender position. Information indicates that Ivan Savvidis is personally conducting negotiations with Zenit, which is attributed to his activities and connections in Russia. It is reported from Slovenia that Drkusic is seriously considering leaving Russia due to his desire to participate in European competitions, an opportunity PAOK can provide. PAOK was previously interested in Drkusic in the summer of 2024, but he subsequently signed with Zenit on a contract lasting until 2029.

When Russian media asked about reported interest from PAOK and an asking price of €5 million plus bonuses for Vanja Drkusic, his representative confirmed there is current interest in the player and that clubs are in discussions. The representative said he would not name any specific club, explaining that it is too early to say anything more specific because the transfer period has just started. It is reported that Drkusic wants to return to the European football scene, and it is also reported that Zenit wants to reduce the number of foreign players for the new season.

According to Gazzetta.gr, PAOK has made Vanja Drkusic their primary target for a starting central defender in the January transfer market. Zenit values Drkusic at around 5 million euros plus bonuses. Drkusic is positive about leaving Russia and is actively seeking such a move. It is estimated that over time Zenit's demands may become more realistic. Ivan Savvidis could be a key factor in completing the transfer due to his long-standing connections in the Russian market. PAOK is waiting for Zenit to lower their financial demands, as the current conditions make it a difficult transfer to complete.

Vanja Drkusic, who was proposed to PAOK, has been frequently mentioned as a transfer target for the club. However, the Russian channel 'Myach' reports that it is unlikely Drkusic will transfer to PAOK, even though one of Drkusic or Erakovic is expected to leave Zenit following the arrival of Diveev. The same report notes that PAOK is seeking options in the Balkans.

PAOK has renewed its interest in Vanja Drkušić for the winter transfer window, and the player is looking to leave Zenit. The defender is considered a realistic option for PAOK. Despite being a key player for his current club, Drkušić is reportedly considering a move, with his main motivation being a return to European football. Information from the player's entourage indicates that PAOK is currently the most probable destination for the 26-year-old. The club's interest is not new, as they had previously made a proposal to his former team, Sochi, in the summer of 2024.