Aston Villa sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to cast further doubt over Emiliano Martinez’s future

Aston Villa has secured the signing of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, amplifying speculation surrounding the future of Argentina international Emiliano Martinez. The 23-year-old Suzuki, who represented Japan at the World Cup this summer, made a remarkable save against Brazil's Vinicius Jr., joining Villa in a deal worth up to 35 million euros (£30 million).

Martinez, Villa's first-choice goalkeeper for six years, has been linked with departure during the past two summers, with Juventus and Tottenham showing interest. However, Juventus have since moved on to sign Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario on loan, leaving Martinez without a club and his future uncertain. Suzuki, born in New Jersey and raised in Japan, has played for Sint-Truiden in Belgium and Parma in Italy before joining Villa.

Villa, who won the Europa League last season and finished fourth in the Premier League, will now compete in the Champions League. Following the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, Villa signed Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid to fill the left-back vacancy. Ruggeri, who has yet to play for Italy's senior team, will compete with Ian Maatsen for the starting position. Villa face Brighton in their opening Premier League match on Sunday.