Tottenham have reportedly set their asking price for one player as he green-lights a move away, with an official offer about to be tabled.
Tottenham set for new Roberto De Zerbi era with appointment confirmed
The circumstances surrounding Tottenham's season have been well-documented.
Third manager of the campaign, one point above the relegation zone, an injury list that at one stage stretched to over 13 players simultaneously.
Into that turbulence stepped Roberto De Zerbi, and his first game as head coach — a trip to Sunderland on April 12.
Guglielmo Vicario, who had only recently battled back from ankle surgery sustained in November, underwent a further procedure during the international break — hernia surgery this time — with Spurs confirming the hope is he returns within the month, potentially from mid-to-late April.
Antonin Kinsky, whose nightmare Champions League display against Atlético Madrid made for painful viewing, is expected to deputise against the Black Cats.
For De Zerbi, the immediate concern is survival.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Vicario's long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may not extend much beyond this summer, regardless of how the season concludes.
Inter director Piero Ausilio recently travelled to London for talks over the 29-year-old, as per reports from Italy, and there is a growing belief that Vicario has already green-lit a move to the San Siro.
Tottenham set price for Gugielmo Vicario after Inter green light
According to Italian outlet L'Interista, Inter have a plan — and Vicario is at the absolute heart of it.
Yann Sommer, who has been a reliable presence between the sticks, will not be Inter's number one next season. The Nerazzurri have been searching for his successor for some time, assessing a range of options across Europe.
That search has now reached its conclusion: Vicario is the only goalkeeper Inter have had direct contact with, and he is the only name on their list.
The Italian report states that Vicario himself has already communicated his desire to return home, giving Inter the green light to push ahead with a deal.
He is, in every meaningful sense, on board.
Inter are ready to offer a four-year contract worth €3.2 million net per season — around £2.7m annually — which would represent a significant package and a long-term commitment.
The remaining negotiation is with Spurs.
L'Interista reports that Inter are preparing to table an 'official offer' to Vicario, with Spurs expected to demand around £17m for Vicario — though the precise figure will be shaped by one defining variable: whether Tottenham survive relegation.
If De Zerbi keeps them in the Premier League, the fee sits closer to the top of that range.
If they go down, the price reduces further, and Vicario's desire to leave becomes even more pressing — a goalkeeper of his calibre, with the Italian national team in mind ahead of a summer World Cup, will not be spending next season in the Championship.
For Spurs, selling Vicario fits the reconstruction picture De Zerbi is already building.