Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for €35 million (£30m) plus bonuses, according to The Athletic.
Suzuki is expected to sign a five-year contract and has told Parma he has always wanted to join Villa.
The 23-year-old was initially close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, but the deal fell through due to the exorbitant fees demanded by his representatives.
Suzuki joined Parma from Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2024 and quickly made an impression in Serie A with his excellent shot-stopping, helping the Italian side avoid relegation.
However, his form dipped last season, although he still did enough to attract interest from various European clubs, including Newcastle United.
Among goalkeepers in Europe’s top seven leagues, Suzuki ranked in the 55th percentile for save percentage, and in the 36th percentile for post-shot expected goals minus goals against.
The Japan international is expected to replace Emiliano Martinez, who is looking to leave Villa.
Juventus are leading the race to sign Martinez, but have yet to reach an agreement with the Villans.
The Argentina international has been outstanding for Villa, helping them end a 44-year wait for a European trophy by winning the UEFA Europa League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last season.
Villa will be hoping Suzuki hits the ground running and proves to be the ideal replacement for Martinez.
The west Midlands side have signed four players this summer as they look to cope the demands of domestic and European football next season.
Villa will kick off their Premier League campaign away to Brighton & Hove Albion next Sunday.
Stats from datamb.football