Villa nearing Suzuki deal as Martinez's future grows uncertain

Aston Villa are making progress toward signing Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in a deal reported to be worth around £30m, as the club prepares for the possible departure of current number one Emi Martinez.

The 23-year-old Suzuki was born in the United States but qualifies to play for Japan through his mother, and featured in all four of the national team's matches at this year's World Cup. He has made 59 appearances for Parma since arriving from J-League club Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024.

Suzuki's likely arrival opens the door for Martinez to move to Juventus, who have shown interest in the 33-year-old this summer. Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, had earlier said Martinez would remain at the club, but a departure before the transfer deadline now appears more likely.

Martinez, an Argentina international who won the World Cup in 2022 and finished runner-up to Spain this year, joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for £17m. He has since made 256 appearances and played a key role in ending the club's 30-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League in May.

The goalkeeper was absent from Wednesday's Super Cup defeat to Paris St-Germain, having been given a month off after the World Cup by manager Unai Emery, along with teammates Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins. He was expected to resume full training this week ahead of Villa's Premier League season opener away to Brighton on Sunday.