Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel says talks with Juventus over a transfer to the Serie A champions are "at an advanced stage" as he claims the time has come for him to leave Russia.
Witsel, 26, is seeking a new challenge after three seasons with Zenit, and he believes Champions League finalists Juve can offer what he is looking for.
The Belgium international's current contract with the Russian champions still has two years left to run, but he is clear that now is the right time to move on.
"I'm 26 and that's a good age to try a new experience," he told Belgian newspaper La Capitale. "I always said that I did not want to leave Zenit until we had won the league. Well we have done that now.
"I don't have a preferred league to play in. My aim is to play at a top club in a top league."
Juve fit the bill for Witsel, and the midfielder says talks have taken place.
"[Talks] are at an advanced stage and they are continuing," he said. "They are a super team with a magnificent project, which is to get back to being what they were in the era of [Zinedine] Zidane and [Pavel] Nedved.
"The contact is there, both with me and with Zenit. It is a place which could suit me. It is time to leave Zenit."
Juve may be in the market for a new midfielder with the futures of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba still unclear.
Pogba has been linked with a €100 million summer move away from Turin, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and former club Manchester United all reportedly interested in the France international's signature.
Chile midfielder Vidal was a target for United last summer and has been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, though Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has since distanced himself from a move for the 28-year-old.
Sami Khedira is set to arrive at Juve on a free transfer from Real Madrid, but Witsel could give coach Massimiliano Allegri another option for next season with the Bianconeri aiming to win the Serie A title for a fifth straight season.