English Premier League
Paris Saint-Germain ready to raise offer for Juventus target Zion Suzuki
Paris Saint-Germain are preparing an improved bid for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after their opening proposal for the Japan international was rejected, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The French champions initially offered €28m, with a further €5m available in incentives, in an attempt to sign Suzuki during the current summer transfer window. Parma turned down that package, but the Serie A club is not expected to reject the enhanced offer Paris Saint-Germain are planning to put forward.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the Paris Saint-Germain president, is ready to table a proposal worth about €35m including add-ons, Sky Sport Italia reports. Further contact between the two clubs is expected at the beginning of next week as negotiations over the goalkeeper’s potential move continue.
Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be optimistic about reaching an agreement for Suzuki, who has already indicated that he would welcome the transfer. A move to the French champions would represent a significant step forward in the Japanese goalkeeper’s career.
The developing situation also has major implications for Juventus. While the possibility of Suzuki moving to Paris Saint-Germain represents a positive outcome for the player and the clubs involved, it would be a setback for Juventus, who had identified him as their preferred option in goal.
Luciano Spalletti, Juventus’ manager, had made Suzuki his leading target for the position. Juventus are therefore continuing to hope that, if Paris Saint-Germain complete the signing, the goalkeeper could subsequently move to Turin on a direct loan from the French club.
That arrangement would depend on Paris Saint-Germain and Parma reaching a final agreement over the initial transfer. For now, the French club’s expected increase to approximately €35m, including incentives, places it in a stronger position to secure the goalkeeper than it was with its first bid.
Suzuki’s willingness to make the move is another factor in Paris Saint-Germain’s confidence. The club now expects discussions with Parma to resume shortly, with the next round of communication between the two sides likely to take place early next week.
Juventus’ interest means the outcome of the negotiations could affect more than just the immediate transfer. The Italian club’s preferred route remains a loan agreement for Suzuki from Paris Saint-Germain, should the goalkeeper first complete his move to the Parc des Princes.
