Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with the future of Emi Martinez at the club now in serious doubt.
The Japan international has been one of Villa’s primary transfer targets this summer, with his arrival contingent on Martinez’s potential departure from Villa Park.
The deal for Suzuki is reportedly worth around £30m, and negotiations between the clubs are understood to be progressing well.
Suzuki, 23, was born in America but qualifies for Japan through his mother, and he featured in all four of their matches at the World Cup this summer.
The young goalkeeper has made 59 appearances for Parma since joining the Italian club from J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024.
His impending arrival has opened the door for Martinez to complete a move to Juventus, with the Turin club having held a strong interest in the Argentine throughout the summer window.
Director of football operations Damian Vidagany had previously confirmed Martinez would be staying at Villa Park, but the 33-year-old now looks more likely to leave before the transfer deadline.
Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal for £17m back in 2020 and has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s most accomplished goalkeepers.
The Argentina international was a World Cup winner in 2022 and finished runner-up with his country this summer, as Spain claimed the tournament’s top prize.
He has made 256 appearances for the club and played a key role in helping Villa end their 30-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League in May.
Martinez missed Wednesday’s Super Cup defeat to Paris St-Germain, with manager Unai Emery having given him, along with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, a month off following the World Cup.
He had been due to return to full training this week ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday.
