Emi Martinez future at Aston Villa has suddenly become far more complicated after Juventus walked away from talks, with Zion Suzuki still set to arrive as Unai Emery’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
Only hours earlier, Juventus had submitted a fresh package worth up to €10million for the Argentina international. Villa wanted the full amount guaranteed, while the Italian club proposed €7m plus €3m in add-ons.
That route has now disappeared.
David Ornstein and Jacob Tanswell report that Juventus will pursue other goalkeeper targets, despite personal terms with Martinez not being an obstacle.
For Villa, the bigger question is what comes next.
Emi Martinez future now creates an Aston Villa selection problem
Juventus walking away would normally suggest greater certainty over Martinez staying at Villa Park.
Suzuki changes everything.
Villa have already agreed a deal to sign the Japan international, with the total package potentially approaching £30m.
More importantly, The Athletic reports that Villa view Suzuki as their first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026/27 season and intend to complete the transfer regardless of Martinez’s future.
That creates an unusual situation one week before the Premier League opener against Brighton.
Martinez has been Villa’s undisputed No.1 for six years. Suzuki is not being signed at considerable expense simply to provide experienced competition.
If both remain when the season begins, Emery faces a major call immediately.
Zion Suzuki is arriving to start, not wait
Villa’s decision to pursue Suzuki is understandable as long-term succession planning.
The Japan international is 23 and could occupy the position for years. Martinez turns 34 next month.
Yet the timing creates complications.
ReadAstonVilla analysed why Villa have placed such significant faith in Suzuki, from his authority when dealing with crosses to the potential he offers in possession.
The club have made their choice for the future.
The problem is that the goalkeeper Suzuki was expected to replace may no longer be going anywhere.
Martinez remains contracted until 2029. Capology estimates his fixed salary at £150,000 per week, leaving Villa with a significant senior contract if his first-team status changes.
Juventus also had concerns surrounding the proposed deal. The Times reports that Martinez’s age, valuation and the finger injury he carried through the end of last season all contributed to uncertainty around their pursuit.
None of that alters what Martinez has achieved at Villa.
It does complicate what happens next.
Aston Villa need a new solution before the window closes
Villa were prepared to sanction a Martinez departure.
Their negotiating position had appeared increasingly close to Juventus earlier on Sunday, with only the structure of a €10m package separating the clubs.
Hours later, that possibility is gone.
Another interested club could still emerge before the transfer window closes, but Villa cannot assume one will arrive with terms acceptable to both club and player.
Keeping Martinez is also possible.
The uncomfortable part would be determining his role.
Villa would have one of the most decorated goalkeepers in world football under contract while simultaneously investing almost £30m in the player they reportedly want to start ahead of him.
Suzuki’s arrival was supposed to answer Villa’s goalkeeper question.
Juventus walking away has created another one.
