Villa negotiate Martinez sale and Suzuki signing

Aston Villa are negotiating the sale of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to Juventus while simultaneously advancing talks to sign his potential replacement, Zion Suzuki, from Parma. The developments mark a significant shift in Villa’s plans as the Premier League season approaches.

Juventus have submitted a new bid for Martinez worth up to €10 million, which includes an initial fee of €7 million plus potential add-ons. According to reports, Villa are holding out for a guaranteed fixed fee of €10 million, though the gap between the two clubs’ valuations is narrowing. Personal terms between the Argentina international and Juventus are not expected to be an issue. Martinez, 33, has been Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper since 2020, making 256 appearances for the club. He was absent from Villa’s UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain on August 12, having been granted an extended break after playing every match for Argentina in the World Cup final, which concluded on July 19.

The resurgence in Juventus’ interest for Martinez follows the collapse of a deal that would have sent Suzuki to Paris Saint-Germain. With the French champions no longer signing the 23-year-old Japan...