Aston Villa face fresh competition for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after Juventus joined Leeds United in the race for the Japan international.
Football Italia reports that Parma value Suzuki at around €30m including bonuses, with Leeds already interested and Juventus now making an approach to understand the conditions of a deal.
Suzuki has been linked with Villa as a possible long-term replacement if Emiliano Martinez leaves this summer. The 23-year-old has established himself at Parma and remains under contract until 2029, according to Transfermarkt.
Read Aston Villa previously covered how Suzuki’s World Cup performances had strengthened his case as a potential Martinez successor. Villa have also explored other options, with Read Aston Villa reporting that the club have held talks around Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Juventus’ move adds urgency to the situation.
Villa do not need to force a Martinez exit, but they cannot wait too long if they want to keep credible replacement options open. Suzuki’s age, Serie A experience and distribution profile make him a logical name for a club planning beyond the Argentina international.
Leeds’ interest already made the race competitive. Juventus entering the picture gives Parma another strong route for a sale.
Unai Emery, Monchi and Damian Vidagany now have to judge how far Villa should go before Martinez’s future becomes clearer. Suzuki still fits the succession plan, but the market may not wait for Villa to settle it.
