Aston Villa close in on Parma's Zion Suzuki as Martínez exit looms

Aston Villa are preparing for Emiliano Martínez's potential departure by accelerating a move for Zion Suzuki, the Parma and Japan goalkeeper. According to The Guardian, Juventus have reopened their interest in the Argentina No. 1 after six seasons at Villa, and he is open to leaving during this transfer window. Juve rejected an earlier offer this summer but have now revisited the 33-year-old, who remains under contract until 2029.

The Japanese stopper in focus

Suzuki, 23, was close to joining PSG for around €35m before the Champions League holders pulled out of the deal. Villa now see him as the ideal replacement for Martínez. Born in the United States to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother, Suzuki was raised in Japan and started all four of his country's World Cup matches. He began his career at Urawa Red Diamonds, had a spell at Sint-Truiden and has established himself at Parma over the past two years.

Martínez's departure would free up funds for Villa's attacking ambitions. The club has already sold Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer and is negotiating the sale of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal. They also expect to complete the £17m signing of Atlético Madrid's Matteo Ruggeri and remain keen on Bayern Munich's João Palhinha.