Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma as Juventus step up their efforts to take Emi Martinez to Turin.
Villa have moved quickly for the Japan international after Paris Saint-Germain’s proposed transfer collapsed, with Suzuki now set to become the latest addition to Unai Emery’s squad.
The Times reports that Villa have agreed an initial £25.6million deal with Parma, with a further £4.28m potentially due in add-ons.
talkSPORT reports a different financial structure, claiming the total package is worth £34.2m and that Suzuki is expected to sign a five-year contract.
Either way, the key development is clear: Villa have moved from negotiations to an agreement.
Aston Villa finally land Zion Suzuki
Suzuki has been on Villa’s radar for several months.
ReadAstonVilla reported in June that Villa had been scouting the Parma goalkeeper extensively, with Fabrizio Romano identifying him as one of the club’s potential successors to Martinez.
That long-term interest has now turned into a deal.
Suzuki’s proposed move to PSG had appeared close before the French club withdrew from negotiations following a dispute over commission terms.
Villa took advantage almost immediately, progressing talks with Parma before reaching an agreement.
The 23-year-old offers Emery a very different goalkeeper profile from Martinez.
He is younger, still developing and already has experience at both Serie A and international level with Japan.
Juventus bid for Emi Martinez
Suzuki’s arrival will inevitably place even more focus on Martinez.
Juventus have returned for the Argentina international after previously stepping away from negotiations earlier in the window.
The Times reports that Juventus have now offered £6m plus £2.6m in potential add-ons for Martinez, while talkSPORT puts the total package at around £8.5m.
ReadAstonVilla previously covered Martinez’s agreement with Juventus, although a club-to-club deal has repeatedly proved difficult to complete.
Villa agreeing terms for Suzuki could now change that dynamic.
Martinez remains under contract until 2029, so Villa retain control of the situation.
But with a new goalkeeper arriving and Juventus now submitting an offer, one of the summer’s longest-running Villa transfer sagas may finally be moving towards a conclusion.
