Aston Villa step up interest in goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Emi Martinez in talks to leave

Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with Emiliano Martinez in negotiations to leave.

The Athletic previously reported Suzuki, 23, was among a list of options to replace Martinez should he depart, alongside RC Lens’ Robin Risser.

Having rejected small, incremental offers from Juventus earlier in the summer, Villa informed representatives of prospective targets that the Argentina international would be staying, even though Martinez was keen to move to the Serie A side.

Last month, Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany told 365scores that Martinez would be staying in the Midlands.

“The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” said Vidagany. “The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.

“All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position. Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his teammates.”

However, discussions over a move are progressing, leading to Villa to turn their attentions to Suzuki. Villa are now considering pushing ahead with a deal in the region €30million, after the Japan international had reportedly received interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Club sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, believe Suzuki favours a move to the Europa League winners.

Martinez is not due to return for pre-season until Monday, with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, who also reached the last stages of the World Cup, also expected to report back.

Martinez has been Villa’s No 1 since joining the club from Arsenal in 2020. (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in September 2020 and has gone on to make 256 appearances for the club.

He featured in 44 games in all competitions last term, including 32 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches.

Any exit would only add to a summer of significant change at Villa Park where Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have already departed and speculation continues over Konsa’s future.

Suzuki was born in Newark, New Jersey to a Ghanian father and Japanese mother, and grew up in Japan.

He began his professional career with Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, making his senior debut as a teenager.

After a season on loan in Belgium, he joined Parma in summer 2024 and quickly established himself as the Serie A’s side No 1, making 57 league appearances over the past two seasons.

Suzuki started all four of Japan’s games at this summer’s World Cup in North America. He impressed as they were eliminated by Brazil in the round of 32 after Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner.