Aston Villa have launched a formal move for Zion Suzuki, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club are ready to match Paris Saint-Germain’s €35million package for the Parma goalkeeper.
Villa have now approached Parma directly over Suzuki and are prepared to offer the Japan international a long-term contract, according to Romano.
Talks are underway as Unai Emery’s side attempt to muscle their way into a transfer race which appeared to be moving firmly in PSG’s direction.
Reports in Spain had claimed PSG reached an agreement with Parma worth around €35m earlier this week. AS reported that Suzuki was set to sign a five-year contract, potentially before heading out on loan.
Villa are now attempting to change that outcome.
Aston Villa Zion Suzuki pursuit moves into formal talks
Suzuki has been on Villa’s radar for considerably longer than this latest approach suggests.
ReadAstonVilla reported in June that Villa had scouted Suzuki for several months, with Romano identifying him as one of three goalkeepers being considered in the event of Emi Martinez leaving Villa Park.
Competition then intensified. Romano revealed in July that PSG and Juventus were both pursuing Suzuki, while Villa continued to face uncertainty over Martinez’s future.
The latest development takes Villa’s interest to another level.
Matching PSG’s proposed €35m package would represent a considerable investment in a goalkeeper, but Suzuki is only 23 and could potentially occupy the position for much of the next decade.
He has also built significant senior experience with Parma and Japan, strengthening his reputation during the World Cup this summer.
What the move could mean for Emi Martinez
Villa making a formal approach raises an obvious question over Martinez.
The Argentina international remains under contract until 2029, but his future has been uncertain throughout the summer.
Juventus pursued Martinez extensively before struggling to reach Villa’s valuation, with ReadAstonVilla previously covering the Italian club’s talks with his representatives.
Villa moving aggressively for Suzuki does not confirm that Martinez will leave.
It does, however, indicate that the club are willing to act decisively in the goalkeeper market rather than simply maintain a shortlist.
PSG appeared to have moved into pole position for Suzuki.
Villa have now entered the race with the intention of matching their financial package.
The battle for one of Europe’s most highly-rated young goalkeepers has suddenly changed.
