Aston Villa close to sealing transfer double

Villa are close to completing the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki with Emi Martinez’s future now shrouded in uncertainty.

The goalkeeper’s proposed exit to Juventus is off after the clubs failed to agree a fee, with the Italian giants instead moving for Tottenham’s Gueglielmo Vicario.

With Villa pushing ahead to seal the £30m signing of Suzuki, it leaves the Argentina international looking for another route out of the club with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

Suzuki is expected to sign a five-year deal and is viewed by Villa as their long-term No.1.

That is a position Martinez has held without challenge since joining the club in 2020.

The World Cup winner’s future has been under the spotlight for the past two summers.

Last year, he missed out on a desired move to Manchester United when they instead opted to sign Senne Lammens.

Martinez was quickly reintegrated back into the first-team at Villa and played a key role as the club ended a 30-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.

Juventus emerged as suitors in the early weeks of the summer but the cost of the deal has always been an issue.

A fresh approach from the Italian club last week prompted Villa to make their move for Suzuki after the Japan international’s own move to Paris Saint-Germain broke down.

Left-back Ruggeri is also joining in a deal worth around £17m, while West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains an option at right-back.

Villa kick-off their Premier League season away at Brighton on Sunday.