'Jesus Christ' - ex-Aston Villa scout 'must be missing something' about Zion Suzuki deal
Zion Suzuki will be Aston Villa's new number one but the level of interest in him this summer has been surprising.
That is according to former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has signed a long-term deal at Villa Park, after a deal with Parma worth around £30million was agreed.
Suzuki's arrival has left Emi Martinez in an uncertain position, with his prospective future club, Juventus, signing Guglielmo Vicario instead.
The Argentine still may leave Villa this summer and will be unlikely to favour a season on the bench behind the new arrival.
The 33-year-old could become the latest exit in what has become an exodus at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins likely to join Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans in leaving this summer.
Aston Villa 'told' Zion Suzuki he would be starting
In many cases this summer, Villa have had to react to a departure. When Tielemans joined Manchester United, they signed Joao Gomes.
Rogers was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho and Johan Manzambi, Digne by Matteo Ruggeri and Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks to be Konsa's replacement.
But in the case of Martinez, Villa have worked proactively, bringing in an exciting prospect in Suzuki.
The 24-year-old had been close to joining PSG before the move collapsed, with the Villans taking advantage to secure who they hope will be their number one for many years to come.
"Well, there's nothing like competition to improve your goalkeepers or any other position on the pitch," King told Football Insider.
"And at the moment, Martinez has not really had any goalkeeper at Villa who's going to push him anyway, has he? So that means that Suzuki's going to Villa, and then it's down to, will it be Argentina or Japan who start the season?
"If he's coming in, Suzuki, they've told him he's starting the season. I think, by the sound of this, to get him to come to Villa. Although, PSG? Jesus Christ. I must be missing something as a goalkeeper here."
Where could Emi Martinez end up this summer?
Martinez will undoubtedly jump at the chance to leave Villa in the closing days of the window, with a season on the bench a risk to his position as Argentina's number one.
His desire to go to Juventus has proven that he is looking for one last big move, although it is unclear where that may come from.
Tottenham could be one potential destination, with Antonin Kinsky currently set to start the season in goal. Such a move would confirm his villain status with the Arsenal fans.
Elsewhere in Europe, however, the options are limited. It remains to be seen whether PSG would be willing to sign the Argentine, after missing out on Suzuki.