Inter Milan had been pursuing a move for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario for many weeks. They seem to have made a drastic U-turn regarding a possible transfer.
The Italian media pushed the idea of a move to Inter aggressively and Sport Witness were close to the coverage. Nerazzurri sporting director Piero Ausilio had travelled to London to speak to Vicario’s agent about a switch.
Things were heading in the right direction, with Yann Sommer’s contract running out at the end of the campaign. Josep Martinez was firmly the second-choice behind the struggling Switzerland international.
The Tottenham player is now increasingly unlikely to end up at the Italian champions.
Martinez becoming key
Today’s TuttoSport is very confident that Martinez is now Inter’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has impressed over the past few weeks, with Sommer definitely leaving.
Manager Cristian Chivu is convinced that the Spaniard can do a job next season, leaving Inter to move for a back-up goalkeeper now.
This is why Tottenham’s Vicario isn’t being pursued strongly. The Italian’s value has dropped in Inter’s eyes and they do not want to pay anything over €20m to sign him.
There are financial and technical reasons behind it and they are linked to Martinez. Genoa earned €14m from his exit and Inter do not want to waste the money spent on him two years ago.
Tottenham also pulling out
Gazzetta dello Sport add more, noting that Vicario and Inter have already agreed personal terms. The 29-year-old was keen on a deal but Tottenham’s demands were a hindrance.
Now, Spurs have pretty much pulled out of the deal. They are in no hurry to sell their goalkeeper, even if Antonin Kinsky has impressed since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival.
The pink daily are confident that Martinez will be Inter’s first-choice, with Lazio’s Ivan Provedel their key target for the back-up keeper role.
Inter not the only destination
A host of Italian clubs could need a new goalkeeper in the summer. Inter aren’t the only one, with Juventus also in need for a first-choice. Fiorentina could yet lose David De Gea and this will leave them looking for a replacement.
If Roma sell Mile Svilar, they too can come in for the ex-Empoli player.
That is why Tottenham shouldn’t be rushing into Vicario’s exit. His stock has dropped this season but he will have enough admirers to help Spurs command a decent price.
Moreover, his agent Gabriele Giuffrida has worked with many Serie A clubs over transfers. He can surely come up with a way to help Vicario find a new club.