Aston Villa are closing in on a £30 million deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, a move that could pave the way for World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez to leave the club before the summer transfer deadline.
Suzuki, 23, has emerged as Villa’s preferred replacement for Martínez should the Argentine goalkeeper depart this summer. The Japan international started all four of his country’s matches at the World Cup and has established himself as one of the most highly rated young goalkeepers in European football.
The goalkeeper joined Parma from Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024 and has made 59 appearances for the Italian side.
Negotiations between Villa and Parma are now understood to be progressing, with the Premier League club increasingly confident of completing the transfer.
Suzuki’s potential arrival could also reignite Martínez’s proposed move to Juventus, who have maintained a long-standing interest in the 33-year-old.
Villa football operations director Damian Vidagany previously insisted that Martínez would remain at Villa Park, but the club’s decision to pursue a high-profile replacement suggests the situation may have changed.
Martínez joined Villa from Arsenal for £17 million in 2020 and has since made 256 appearances for the club.
He played a key role in Villa’s success last season, helping them win the Europa League in May and end a 30-year wait for major silverware.
The Argentine was recently given an extended break following the World Cup, alongside Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, and consequently missed Villa’s Super Cup defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Martínez is expected to return to full training this week as Villa prepare to open their Premier League campaign away to Brighton on Sunday.
However, with Villa now closing in on Suzuki, uncertainty continues to surround Martínez’s future at the club, with Juventus potentially waiting in the wings.
