Tottenham Hotspur is a contender to give Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario the bigger stage many feel he deserves, according to reports.
Tottenham is keeping tabs on possible goalkeeper targets for 2023 when they will probably have to replace Hugo Lloris as their number one. The club captain has been a fine servant for Spurs, but his better days are behind him.
TEAMtalk was recently told that Tottenham is looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper for next season. In that regard, they are looking within the Premier League at Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez, and Illan Meslier.
But reports in Italy are now adding another name into contention: Guglielmo Vicario.
The 26-year-old has been standing out for Empoli this season, keeping five clean sheets from 15 Serie A appearances. He has only conceded 19 goals in the top flight, which is promising for a player representing a club in the bottom half.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Tottenham is taking note of Vicario’s ability and could be a contender to give him a transfer that would increase his prominence.
The problem is that Juventus are also looking at Vicario as someone who could succeed Wojciech Szczesny as their number one.
And according to the report, Juventus are even willing to make a bid in January in order to beat the competition to Vicario’s signing.
They would be willing to send him straight back to Empoli on loan for the rest of the season. It would allow him to continue developing until a decision is made about Szczesny’s future.
Their plan might appeal to Empoli. Although, it is not yet clear how much they are willing to pay for the newcomer to the Italy national team.
Tottenham might have to accelerate Vicario’s plans
If Tottenham still wants Vicario for themselves, they might have to make their own approach in January. If not, Juventus could tie him down to a contract for some of the peak years of his career.
Obviously, as we know, Tottenham does have some other options in mind. But Vicario might be one of the more cost-effective solutions available to them.
In addition to Juventus, Tottenham might also be competing with one of their former managers. Jose Mourinho’s Roma is also listed as suitors for Vicario, as they will need to find a long-term successor to ex-Wolves custodian Rui Patricio.
Joining Juventus may be his most risky option since they already have Szczesny and Mattia Perin. Although the ex-Arsenal man’s status as number one is not guaranteed, he could easily block Vicario’s pathway along with Perin.
In contrast, both Tottenham and Roma are ready to move on from their veteran shot-stoppers in 2023, even if they stay around in a supporting capacity. Hence, they might be his better options.
Vicario has spent his entire professional career in Italy, so would he fancy a new challenge in England? Only time will tell if Tottenham is able to bring him to the Premier League, but they might have to hurry.
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