Paris Saint-Germain lead Juventus in race for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki

Paris Saint-Germain are in a strong position to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after the Japan international indicated he would prefer a move to the French club over joining Juventus.

The Ligue 1 and European champions are working on several transfers at the same time, having completed the sale of Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus on Sunday in a deal worth about €45m, including bonuses.

According to Foot Mercato, Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to complete a deal for Suzuki in the coming days as they continue preparations for the new season. The club are due to begin their campaign on Wednesday, 12 August, when they face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos and his recruitment team have made a formal approach for the 23-year-old goalkeeper. The French club submitted an offer of €33m to Parma on Sunday.

No final agreement has yet been reached between the clubs, but negotiations are understood to be progressing positively. Paris Saint-Germain currently appear to have a significant advantage over Juventus, who are also keen to secure Suzuki’s signature.

The main uncertainty had been the player’s own preference. Paris Saint-Germain may offer greater status and appeal at present, but Suzuki would face competition for a starting place in the French capital. A move to Turin, by contrast, would reportedly give him a guaranteed first-team role in a league and country with which he is already familiar.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Suzuki wants to join Paris Saint-Germain and has given his approval to the proposed move. That stance means the French club are not expected to encounter major difficulties in agreeing personal terms with the goalkeeper.

Suzuki’s preference does not necessarily mean he would spend next season in Paris. Italian media reports say Juventus hope to take him on loan as soon as he completes a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Such an arrangement could allow Juventus to secure the goalkeeper while giving him regular first-team football. It would also provide Paris Saint-Germain with the option of completing the transfer now before deciding whether Suzuki should remain with the squad or continue his development elsewhere.

For the moment, though, Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race and Suzuki’s reported decision has strengthened their position. Juventus must now wait to see whether the French club are willing to let the Japan international leave on loan after signing him.

If Paris Saint-Germain refuse to sanction a temporary move to Turin, Juventus are expected to consider an alternative from within the French champions’ squad. Their other option would be Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

The proposed Suzuki transfer therefore remains dependent on more than the agreement between the player and the French club. Paris Saint-Germain and Parma still need to settle the fee, while Juventus’ hopes of bringing the goalkeeper to Italy could ultimately rely on the outcome of the French club’s plans for him.