Transfer headache hits Aston Villa as Martinez move collapses

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a transfer headache after the expected €10 million (£8.5 million) move of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to Juventus collapses, leaving the club with a sudden gap between the sticks for the 2026/27 season as the Argentine, 33, remains under contract for three more years.

Martinez has made 256 appearances for Aston Villa, keeping 80 clean sheets, and still has three years left on his Villa Park deal. Juventus lodged an increased bid over the weekend, but Villa held out for a reported €10 million (£8.5 million) valuation, prompting Juventus to pull out. The collapse has handed Villa a difficult summer.

Juventus shift focus to Vicario

With the Martinez deal dead, the Serie A side turned its attention to Tottenham Hotspur star Guglielmo Vicario. Reports say a loan agreement between Juventus and Spurs was reached on Monday morning.

Villa secure Suzuki for €35m

Aston Villa responded by agreeing a €35 million transfer for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The 23‑year‑old Japan international is set to sign a five‑year contract on Monday, with manager Unai Emery eyeing him as first‑choice for 2026/27.

Villa’s swift pivot to Zion Suzuki after Martinez deal collapses

Current Villa options include Marco Bizot, who deputised last season with 14 appearances, James Wright, a 21‑year‑old who returned from a loan in Spain, and 18‑year‑old Owen Asemota, a former Arsenal academy product yet to make a first‑team debut. All three are currently competing for the backup role as Emery finalises his squad.

Martinez, who impressed at the World Cup with 11 saves against Spain despite a broken finger, was omitted from the squad that faced PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, with Bizot starting. The Argentine remains on Villa’s books, leaving the club to balance his wages against Suzuki’s new contract.

Villa's goalkeeping crossroads: Martinez in limbo as Suzuki arrives

The story was written by Toby Bryant, a senior sports journalist published on Aug 17, 2026 at 12:15 PM GMT+1. He has been with GiveMeSport since July after a stint at LondonWorld covering Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham. Bryant previously worked as a Sports Lifestyle Writer for Iconic Media, contributing to the , Daily , FantasyFootballScout, FourFourTwo Magazine, Metro and other News outlets. His early career began in Brighton and Newcastle, and he has written for Us, Try, Give, World and FA publications.