Villa close in on Suzuki with Martinez future in doubt

Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to bring Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to the club, while the future of Emiliano Martínez at Villa Park appears increasingly uncertain. Suzuki, who was born in the United States but qualifies for Japan through his parent, featured in all four of Japan’s matches at this summer’s World Cup. The 23‑year‑old has made 59 appearances for Parma since joining from J‑League side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024. Villa’s reported offer for the shot‑stopper is in the region of £30 million, and negotiations are said to be progressing smoothly. Martínez’s potential departure has been linked with Juventus, which has held interest in the Argentina international throughout the summer. Director of football operations Damian Vidagany had previously indicated that Martínez would remain at Villa, but he now suggests the goalkeeper is more likely to leave before the transfer window closes. Martínez, a World Cup winner in 2022 and runner‑up to Spain this year, arrived at Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a fee of £17 million. Since then he has made 256 appearances and played a key role in ending the club’s 30‑year trophy drought by helping secure the Europa League title in May. He missed Wednesday’s Super Cup final against Paris Saint‑Germain, with head coach Unai Emery granting him, along with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, a period of rest following the World Cup. Martínez was expected to return to full training this week ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday at 14:00 BST.