Parma have knocked back an approach from West Ham United for their goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, as the Hammers may need to pay a high fee.

According to Parma-Live, West Ham United saw an approach knocked back by Parma for goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The Hammers are keen to sign the Japanese international to bolster their goalkeeping ranks, but Parma will demand a considerable fee if they wish to sell the 2002-born shot stopper.

Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of the most promising keepers in Europe. The Japanese international has carefully taken the right steps to progress in his career. Back in the summer of 2023, he had big opportunities to sign for some of the biggest clubs but chose to join Belgian side Sint-Truidense to aid his development and adaptation to European football.

The move worked out, as he then moved to Italian side Parma last summer, and immediately became their first-choice stopper. Suzuki made 37 appearances in Serie A last season, as the club and now new boss, Carlos Cuesta, consider him a key part of their plans moving forward.

There have been fresh interest from the Premier League, as West Ham held considerable talks to sign the Serie A goalkeeper. It appears Parma have knocked back an approach from the Hammers for the Japanese international, as they believe their enquiry may not have had the right numbers to match the player’s importance for the Italian side.

Suzuki is not pushing to leave the club and join West Ham, as the report states, it would take at least €30 million or more to get Parma on the negotiating table. Hence, if the Hammers made a bid, they may have to improve that substantially and come close to Parma’s asking price for the Serie A goalkeeper.

West Ham United keen to refresh goalkeeping ranks

West Ham have made multiple changes this summer following a raft of departures. Most of them have been due to expiring contracts, while Mohammed Kudus has been a considerable sale. Meanwhile, Graham Potter is eager to strengthen the goalkeeping ranks and have already targeted Botafogo’s John Victor.

They have already seen veteran Lukasz Fabianski depart after his contract expired, as he will need to be replaced. Current first choice, Alphonse Areola, had finally taken over the No.1 position last season, but should Suzuki arrive, there might be intense competition for places, as the Japanese international could seem like the favourite to start most games between the sticks if that happens.