Aston Villa target Zion Suzuki as Martínez exit nears
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Aston Villa are moving to sign Japan and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they prepare for the likely departure of Emiliano Martínez, with Juventus having revived interest in the Argentinian after Villa previously rejected a bid. Martínez, 33, is open to leaving after six years at Villa Park and is contracted until 2029, while Suzuki had been close to joining Paris Saint-Germain before the French club pulled out of a deal worth roughly €35m (£30m).
The 23-year-old Suzuki, who started all four of Japan's World Cup matches, has been tracked by several Premier League clubs after establishing himself at Parma following spells at Urawa Red Diamonds and Sint-Truiden. Villa are also closing in on Atlético Madrid full-back Matteo Ruggeri for £17m and are pursuing Bayern Munich's João Palhinha, while facing potential sales of Ezri Konsa amid financial fair play pressures. Separately, Paris Saint-Germain have signed World Cup-winning Spain forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona on a contract to 2031, reportedly for €50m (£42.7m).
- Villa target Suzuki as replacement for departing Martínez, linked to Juventus
- PSG pulled out of a Suzuki deal worth about £30m
- PSG sign Spain's Ferran Torres from Barcelona for a reported £42.7m
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Aston Villa are a Premier League club managed by Unai Emery. Emiliano Martínez has been their first-choice goalkeeper since joining in 2020 and has played a major role in the team’s recent progress, including qualification for European competition.
Martínez is also Argentina’s goalkeeper and was part of the side that won the 2022 World Cup. Juventus are one of Italy’s biggest clubs, while Parma play in Italy’s top division; Zion Suzuki is Parma’s Japan international goalkeeper and is viewed as a possible replacement.
Clubs must comply with financial rules that limit spending relative to income, so transfers out can help pay for new players. Villa’s decisions in this area could shape both their goalkeeping plans and their attempt to strengthen the attack.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Transfer roundup: Paris Saint-Germain sign €50m Ferran Torres; Djed Spence seals Inter move”.