Aston Villa close to signing Zion Suzuki as Emi Martinez's future becomes uncertain

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with Emi Martinez's future at the club described as increasingly in doubt, according to a report published on 16 August 2026. The transfer is reported to be progressing and has been valued at around £30m.

Suzuki has won 28 caps for Japan after making his international debut in 2022, and the 23-year-old played all four of Japan's matches at the World Cup this summer. Born in America, he qualifies for Japan through his mother and moved to Parma from J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024. Since joining Parma he has made 59 appearances for the Italian club.

Villa identified Suzuki as a primary target should Martinez leave this summer, and the club is reported to be advancing the deal for the Parma goalkeeper. The move to recruit Suzuki would directly relate to the club's contingency planning around Martinez's situation.

Martinez, 33, joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a fee of £17m and has made 256 appearances for the club. He was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and was on the Argentina team that finished runner-up to Spain this year, and he played a role in Villa's Europa League triumph in May that ended a 30-year trophy drought for the club.

Director of football operations Damian Vidagany had previously stated that Martinez would remain at Villa Park, but the report says the goalkeeper is now more likely to leave before the transfer deadline. Juventus had held an interest in the 33-year-old this summer, and Suzuki's expected arrival is cited as a factor increasing the probability of Martinez's departure.

Martinez missed Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris St-Germain after manager Unai Emery gave him, along with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, a month off following the World Cup.

He was due to return to full training this week as Aston Villa prepare for their Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday (14:00 BST).