According to information we have, Aston Villa first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has agreed personal terms with Juventus, and his departure this summer looks all but certain. Villa's management has simultaneously begun the search for a replacement, with Zion Suzuki, Álex Remiro and several other candidates on their shortlist.
Why Villa must act before the summer transfer window
In the 2025-26 season, Emery led the side to Europa League glory and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, with squad depth and competitiveness markedly improved. Martínez, Argentina's No. 1, is the last line of defence. If they lose their core goalkeeper in the summer window without a timely replacement, pressure will mount on their bid to defend the Europa League title and finish in the top four in the Premier League next season. "Agreeing personal terms" means the player and the interested club have settled private terms such as wages and contract length, with only the transfer fee between the two clubs left to be agreed before an announcement.
World Cup scouting: Zion Suzuki emerges as top target
Villa scouts have been spotted at the World Cup, focusing on Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the Netherlands vs Japan match. Suzuki currently plays for Parma in Serie A, with the Ennio Tardini as their home ground and a capacity of 22,885. The Japan international's performances on the World Cup stage are the key sample Villa are using to assess whether he can adapt to the pace and high press of the Premier League. After Martínez leaves, Villa need a goalkeeper who can step in as first choice immediately, not a long-term development project, which is why Suzuki ranks high on their shortlist.
Remiro as backup option: La Liga experience as Plan B
Besides Suzuki, Aston Villa are also tracking Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro. The Spain international, capped twice, plays his home games at the 40,000-capacity Reale Arena. Compared with Suzuki, Remiro offers more proven La Liga and European experience, with the tactical nous and distribution to fit Emery's demands for a modern goalkeeper. Should talks with Suzuki stall or his price prove prohibitive, Remiro would be a more dependable fallback.
Forward reinforcement lead: Guirassy enters the picture
Beyond the goalkeeper search, Aston Villa have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy. The player has made clear he has no verbal or written agreement with Fenerbahçe and is still evaluating his options for next season; Tottenham, Milan and Atlético are also monitoring him alongside Villa. If Guirassy leaves Borussia Dortmund, his representatives deny any deal has been struck with another club, with the transfer window still in open play. For Villa, the goalkeeper priority remains higher, and any forward move hinges on the budget freed up and squad reshuffle following Martínez's departure.
Summer window trajectory: three moves could unfold in tandem
Martínez's move to Juventus, Villa's pursuit of a new goalkeeper and potential forward reinforcement could all advance in tandem this summer. Core players such as Morgan Rogers are also drawing enquiries from multiple clubs, leaving Villa to balance selling to raise funds with keeping a squad built to compete for titles. What to watch: when Martínez's official agreement with Juve is finalized, whether Suzuki or Remiro emerges as Villa's first contact on the keeper front, and whether Guirassy's destination ultimately shapes Villa's forward budget.
