Emi Martinez future uncertain as Aston Villa agree Zion Suzuki deal

Emi Martinez's future has become a major late-window issue for Aston Villa after his proposed Juventus transfer collapsed just as the club agreed a deal to sign Zion Suzuki.

Martinez had been moving towards Juventus before the Serie A club withdrew and instead opted to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Juventus were unwilling to meet Villa's valuation of Martinez, while a finger injury suffered by the Argentina international was also reportedly a consideration during negotiations.

Villa must now find another solution with only around two weeks remaining in the transfer window.

The situation is complicated by Villa's move for Zion Suzuki, who is expected to arrive from Parma in a deal worth around £30m.

Suzuki has been targeted as Villa's long-term No.1 rather than simply competition for Martinez. The Japan international had also attracted strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but Villa moved decisively to secure him.

Carrying both goalkeepers would leave Villa with two players expecting significant first-team roles as well as the financial implications of Martinez's wages.

That means another Martinez transfer is likely to be pursued despite the collapse of the Juventus negotiations.

Martinez would reportedly prefer to leave the Premier League, although that is a preference rather than an absolute condition.

The problem for Villa is finding a major club that both requires a goalkeeper and is prepared to meet their valuation.

Galatasaray have previously shown interest, while Saudi Arabia could potentially provide another route. Martinez was also interested in Manchester United last summer when his options were limited.

Villa's negotiating position is now more difficult because other clubs know Suzuki is arriving and Martinez is available. Juventus' refusal to meet the asking price also demonstrates that there may not be a substantial market for the 33-year-old at Villa's preferred valuation.

The club nevertheless refused to sell cheaply to Juventus, meaning they must now balance protecting Martinez's value against avoiding an uncomfortable situation after the deadline.

Villa will need to establish whether another club is prepared to make an acceptable offer for Martinez before the transfer window closes.

Suzuki's impending arrival increases the pressure to resolve the situation quickly. If no suitable buyer emerges, Villa could enter the season carrying two high-profile goalkeepers when their transfer planning suggests Suzuki has been recruited to become the new first choice.