Aston Villa have moved quickly to try to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after his proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed at the final stage.
Villa have contacted both Parma and the Japan international’s representatives as they attempt to hijack the deal, with negotiations now under way over a package worth more than €30 million.
Transfer reports indicate Villa are prepared to match the financial package PSG had agreed with Parma as they look to bring Suzuki to the Premier League.
PSG appeared to have won the race for the highly-rated goalkeeper earlier this week. Reports in Italy and France said an agreement worth around €35m including bonuses had been reached with Parma.
The deal was sufficiently advanced that Suzuki had been expected to join PSG before potentially spending the season elsewhere on loan.
However, the transfer collapsed on Saturday.
Reports in France say PSG pulled out following additional demands during the final stages of negotiations with the player’s camp. Villa immediately emerged as one of the clubs looking to take advantage of the situation.
Football Italia reports that Villa are discussing a package worth approximately €35m including add-ons with Parma.
Suzuki, 23, has attracted considerable interest following his performances for Parma and Japan.
The goalkeeper joined Parma permanently from Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2024 after beginning his senior career with Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan. His performances in Serie A have since increased his profile across Europe.
PSG had made a formal €33m proposal earlier this month as they attempted to beat competition for his signature.
Villa’s interest in Suzuki is not new. The Premier League club have been monitoring him for several months amid continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez.
That situation adds another intriguing dimension to Villa’s latest move.
Juventus have maintained an interest in Martinez, and reports in Italy suggest Villa’s renewed push for Suzuki could potentially open the door for the Argentina international to leave Villa Park.
Nothing has been completed, however.
Villa must first reach an agreement with Parma before Suzuki can travel to England for the next stages of a potential transfer.
What appeared to be a completed PSG move only days ago has therefore developed into a fresh transfer battle, with Aston Villa now moving aggressively to put themselves at the front of the queue.
