Juventus continue to work on strengthening their squad ahead of the new season, with the goalkeeping position remaining one of the club’s top priorities.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, despite the opportunity to sign Guglielmo Vicario, Luciano Spalletti’s preferred choice is still Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Spalletti’s First Choice
The Juventus coach is particularly impressed by Suzuki’s ability with the ball at his feet. His precise long-range distribution is viewed as a key weapon for breaking the opposition’s press and launching quick attacking transitions.
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At just 23 years old, the Japanese international is also considered a long-term investment with significant room for further development.
However, convincing Parma will not be easy. The Serie A club values Suzuki at at least €30 million, if not more, and has no intention of lowering its demands.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus may need to structure a creative deal, potentially including player exchanges, to make the transfer financially viable.
The relationship between Juventus and Parma could help negotiations after the Emilian club signed young goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara from the Bianconeri for around €6 million earlier this summer.
While that deal strengthened ties between the two clubs, Parma are expected to negotiate Suzuki’s transfer independently.
PSG Enters the Race
Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has already intensified talks with Parma executive Federico Cherubini and the goalkeeper’s representatives.
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There is cautious optimism at Continassa that an agreement between the clubs can be reached, although convincing Suzuki himself remains a more difficult task.
The biggest obstacle comes from Paris Saint-Germain. The French champions have stepped up their pursuit of the Japan international and could soon make room in their goalkeeping department to bring him to Paris.
The chance to work under Luis Enrique and compete in one of Europe’s most ambitious projects is an attractive option for the player.
Suzuki is currently weighing up his future. Alongside Juventus and PSG, Aston Villa have also shown interest, creating a competitive race for one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers.
With PSG increasing the pressure, Juventus may soon be forced to accelerate negotiations for Vicario if the Suzuki deal proves too difficult to complete.