Aston Villa are looking to launch a £26m move for the goalkeeper amid Martinez's renewal
Aston Villa are lining up a move for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, amid a fresh update on Emiliano Martinez's future.
Martinez is currently focused on helping Argentina retain their World Cup title, and his side are in the running to face England in the semi-finals, should they progress to Switzerland and the Three Lions beat Norway.
However, the Argentine star will have a decision to make after the World Cup, after being heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park last summer.
The 33-year-old remains under contract until the summer of 2029, meaning the Villans remain in a strong negotiating position.
However, if they decide to spend money, someone will be needed to fill his place, they are in a position to sign Suzuki from Parma, who stood out in Japan in the World Cup.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Villa are keen to sign a new goalkeeper, with RC Lens star Robin Risser among the targets. Suzuki has also emerged as an option, as speculation over Martinez's future continues. |
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Finance |
Parma want £26m for the Japan star, which is the price rivals Leeds United are willing to pay. As such, Unai Emery's side may need to move quickly if they are to do a deal. |
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Understanding |
The 23-year-old could be an exciting addition to Emery's squad, having been described as “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig. Last season, he kept five clean sheets in 20 Serie A games. |
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Impact |
Now that he has gained experience in Serie A and established himself as the first goalkeeper in Japan, Suzuki could be replaced by Martinez, who is attracting Serie A side Juventus. |
Aston Villa are in a position to launch a move for Suzuki amid Martinez's update
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now ready to launch a move for Suzuki, in the wake of Leeds United, still hoping they can do a deal.
Martinez is in talks over a move to Juventus, and is interested in joining the Italian club, increasing the need for Villa to start thinking about a replacement.
Why Suzuki would be an interesting place for Martinez
This 28-game Japanese star has experience at the highest level, and caught the eye of the World Cup.
After the Round of 32 exit at the hands of Brazil, Alisson went to talk to his opposite number. Suzuki says: “He said to me in Italian: 'I saw you play last season. You had a good season.' After the game, he said to me: 'You played well. So, keep your head up and move on to the next one.'
The Parma shot-stopper also impressed in Serie A last season, averaging 3.3 saves in 90, which was joint-second most of any goalkeeper.
Of course, Martinez has had a fantastic career, but if the Villa keeper wants to move on this summer, Suzuki has proved he could be an exciting successor.
