Guglielmo Vicario’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur appears to be edging closer after fresh reports claimed two Serie A clubs have now stepped up their interest in the Italian goalkeeper.
Several reports suggested Tottenham would sign a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer after Guglielmo Vicario endured an inconsistent campaign between the posts last season.
Instead, Spurs have chosen a different route. Antonin Kinsky is expected to begin the new campaign as De Zerbi’s first-choice goalkeeper, while experienced Premier League shot-stopper Martin Dubravka has arrived on a free transfer to provide competition and cover.
Vicario, however, is still set to leave North London this summer, something Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed. Inter Milan had already agreed personal terms with the Italy international earlier this year before eventually withdrawing from the deal, but there is no shortage of interest from Serie A.
Juventus and Napoli both make contact for Guglielmo Vicario
Juventus’ admiration for Vicario has been well documented in recent days, with head coach Luciano Spalletti reportedly keen on reuniting with his former Empoli goalkeeper.
Napoli have also been linked with the 29-year-old, although their interest had previously not progressed as far as Juventus’.
According to Football Insider, both Serie A clubs have now ‘made contact’ with Tottenham over a potential deal for Vicario, with discussions ongoing over the structure of any transfer.
The report states that Spurs would ideally prefer a permanent sale, although other options, including an initial loan and a loan-to-buy agreement, are also being explored. This is after several sources claim that Tottenham would not agree to a loan deal for the Europa League winner.
That said, Tottenham reportedly value Vicario at between £20m and £25m, having signed him from Empoli for £17.2m in the summer of 2023.
Juventus’ financial situation could hand Napoli the advantage
As we have previously reported, Juventus’ ongoing financial issues remain one of the biggest obstacles to completing a deal for Vicario.
Earlier reports suggested Tottenham’s asking price of between €15m and €20m (£12.7m-£17m) was already viewed as ‘too expensive’ by the Turin club, despite those figures being lower than the valuation recently reported by Football Insider.
Juventus have been trying to find a buyer for their current first-choice goalkeeper, Michele Di Gregorio, in order to raise funds for a move for Vicario, but they have so far been unable to do so.
That explains why Juventus prefer to sign Vicario on an initial loan rather than agree a permanent transfer immediately.
That could ultimately strengthen Napoli’s position in the race as Tottenham’s preference remains a permanent sale, and the Naples club are understood to be in a much stronger financial position to meet Spurs’ demands.