As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are closing in on Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The move, if sealed, could bring to an end the Old Lady’s long search for a goalkeeper this summer. Having started the summer targetting Liverpool veteran Alisson Becker, the Bianconeri seemed to have found their answer in Aston Villa’s Emi Martínez. But an agreement over fee could not be reached between the two parties, so Juve moved to Parma’s Zion Suzuki.
However, the Japan international soon looked on his way to Paris Saint-Germain, only for Villa to emerge as his possible destination. And while that would once again open the door for “Dibu” to leave Birmingham, the Juve have set their eyes on the former Empoli man.
Vicario has been expected to return to Italy having received Roberto De Zerbi’s permission for the same over the summer. The Italian coach has been sufficiently impressed by Antonín Kinský performances towards the back end of last season and is willing to move forward without Vicario.
Juve are initially taking the 29-year-old Italy international on loan and will have the option to make the move permanent next summer. Vicario still has two more years remaining on his contract with the Lilywhites. He is expected to undergo a medical with the Bianconeri later today.
That should do it
Juventus have arguably found the safest solution by bringing Vicario back to Italy on loan. With no obligation to buy him next year, they will be less worried about his tendency to demonstrate a fluctuation form, while in turn Vicario will be under less pressure and may go on to have a more reassuring campaign back on home soil.
As for Spurs, it will be interesting to see whether going all-in on Kinský works out for them in their quest for a top-half Premier League finish, while it remains to be seen whether Emi Martínez ends his annual transfer window dance by actually leaving Villa this time.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN