Argentina defeat could help Aston Villa clinch early Zion Suzuki deal
Aston Villa have been left sweating over Emiliano Martinez's future as Argentina get ready to face Cabo Verde in the World Cup.
The 33-year-old is being linked with a move away from the Villans again in the transfer window, and the uncertainty could potentially hurt Unai Emery's plans.
Last summer, the goalkeeper wanted to leave the Lions, and it looked like he had played his final game for the club, but no deal materialised.
If Martinez does leave, Villa will need to sign a replacement and have their eyes on Parma shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, who's starring for Japan in North America.
Everything reportedly hinges on what the future holds for the ex-Arsenal star in B6, as the race to sign the Japanese goalkeeper heats up.
The Villa Park hierarchy will want to resolve Martinez's future sooner rather than later and may secretly be hoping Argentina lose to Cabo Verde in the round of 32 to accelerate the shot-stopper's departure.
Aston Villa concerns emerge as Zion Suzuki deal one to keep eye on
Suzuki could move to the Premier League this summer, with Villa and Leeds United interested in him.
The Whites have plans in place to acquire the Japan international's services and are expected to make a convincing offer to Parma once the World Cup is over.
According to Calciomercato on 28 June, the Villans are behind the West Yorkshire side in the race for the 23-year-old shot-stopper's signature due to the uncertainty around Martinez's future.
Parma signed Suzuki for £7million and value him at around £25m as the two English top-flight teams keep an eye on him.
Unai Emery decides on Martinez future at Villa Park
Sources told Football Insider in April that Villa could be ready to sell Martinez for a significant fee to alleviate the club's financial issues.
The Villans paid £20m for the goalkeeper, who has made a big difference in B6 under Emery and was instrumental in winning the Europa League title this season.
Despite Martinez turning 34 in September, the Lions will hope to recoup a decent sum for the shot-stopper, with his current contract expiring in 2029, but it remains to be seen whether any club is willing to match their valuation.