Aston Villa scout Parma’s Suzuki at World Cup as Juventus negotiate for Martinez

Reports in Italy claim that Aston Villa scouts were in attendance to watch Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who reportedly has an agreement on personal terms in place with Juventus.

Suzuki started in goal for Japan in their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in North America: Former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada providing the 89th-minute equaliser in Dallas.

The World Cup matches are coming thick and fast, but back in Europe, transfer rumours continue to circulate and reports in Italy claim that a scout from Aston Villa was in attendance in Dallas to keep an eye on Parma’s Suzuki.

The 23-year-old, who was born in the United States and raised in Japan by Japanese and Ghanaian parents, is reportedly among Aston Villa’s list of potential replacements for Dibu Martinez should the Argentina stopper decide to leave this summer.

Recent reports in Italy claim that Martinez has an agreement on personal terms in place with Juventus, who are willing to pay the 2022 World Cup winner a salary of €5m per season. This is slightly lower than his current wage packet at Villa Park.

Juventus still need to strike an agreement with Villa themselves, though. The Premier League outfit are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €10m for Martinez, who is 33 years old and is into the final year of his contract with the Premier League side.

Juventus, meanwhile, are hoping to sign the keeper ‘practically for free’ given his age, contract situation and his reported ‘desire’ to join the Bianconeri.