Villa on the Hunt: Martinez Exit Looms as Emery's Men Scout Replacements

Aston Villa's recruitment team are in overdrive this summer as they prepare for life without their prized Argentina goalkeeper. Emiliano Martinez has struck an 'agreement' with Juventus, and the Birmingham club are wasting no time identifying successors.

Villa scouts were spotted in Dallas watching Japan's World Cup clash against the Netherlands, with their focus trained on Parma's Zion Suzuki. The 24-year-old sits atop their shortlist to fill the void left by Martinez's impending departure to Turin.

Yet Suzuki isn't the only stopper under consideration. Real Sociedad's Alex Remiro, a two-time Spain international, has also caught Villa's attention as the club explores their options should Martinez complete his move away from Birmingham.

The Villans' summer business extends beyond the goalkeeper position. Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy remains firmly on their radar, though the striker's future remains fluid. His representative and brother, Karamba, has moved to quash speculation linking him with Fenerbahçe, insisting no agreement exists with the Turkish outfit. However, Karamba confirmed that several European heavyweights—including Villa, Tottenham, Milan, and Atlético Madrid—have expressed interest, with a departure from Dortmund this summer remaining a distinct possibility.

Villa have also set their sights on Juventus centre-back Lloyd Kelly. The former Bournemouth and Newcastle defender is reportedly high on their wishlist, with the club believed to be leading the chase for his signature.

These moves come after an exceptional 2025/26 campaign under Unai Emery, which saw Villa secure fourth place in the Premier League and lift the Europa League trophy. Keeping hold of their top performers—particularly England international Morgan Rogers, who has attracted admiring glances from rival clubs—will be crucial if they're to build on that success next season.