Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is reportedly prioritizing a return to Serie A, despite recently being sidelined with a hernia requiring surgery and subsequently excluded from the Italian national team’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying play-offs. The situation has sparked speculation about his future, with Inter Milan emerging as the frontrunner to secure his services.
The Italian national team, under coach Gennaro Gattuso, opted not to include Vicario in their 28-player squad due to the impending surgery. The procedure, scheduled for next week, is expected to retain him out for approximately a month, impacting his availability for the crucial play-off matches against Northern Ireland and potentially Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. While understandable given the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma as the expected starter, Vicario’s continued inclusion in Tottenham’s starting lineup – most recently in their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday – raised eyebrows given his imminent operation.
Inter Milan Leading the Pursuit for Vicario
According to reports, Inter Milan is heavily interested in acquiring Vicario and has taken concrete steps to initiate negotiations. Piero Ausilio, Inter’s sporting director, is said to have traveled to London to discuss a potential move with Tottenham and attempt to persuade the goalkeeper to choose the Nerazzurri. The 27-year-old’s desire to return to Italy is a significant factor in Inter’s confidence.
While Juventus also holds interest in Vicario, Inter appears to have made the most significant progress in attracting the player. Tottenham is reportedly valuing Vicario’s transfer around €25 million, but Inter is aiming to negotiate a deal closer to €20 million. Negotiations are ongoing, with both clubs hoping to reach an agreement in the coming days.
The potential arrival of Vicario at Inter is closely linked to the expected departure of Yann Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper’s contract with the club expires in June and he is widely expected to explore opportunities elsewhere, potentially in the United States or Saudi Arabia. Inter is looking for a reliable replacement, and Vicario fits the profile.
A Familiar Face for Inter’s Coaching Staff
The pursuit of Vicario also aligns with the vision of Inter’s coaching staff, including Cristian Chivu. Bringing in a proven goalkeeper like Vicario would provide stability and competition within the squad. Chivu, a former defender himself, understands the importance of a solid defensive foundation, and Vicario’s experience in the Premier League would be a valuable asset.
Alternative Options for Inter
Inter isn’t solely focused on Vicario, however. They are also monitoring the situation surrounding Marco Carnesecchi, the Atalanta goalkeeper. Carnesecchi’s future at Atalanta is uncertain, particularly if the club fails to qualify for European competition. A strong performance in the Coppa Italia could be key for Atalanta to secure a European spot, potentially influencing Carnesecchi’s decision.
Vicario’s situation is particularly noteworthy given his recent commitment to Tottenham. He started for the club despite knowing surgery was scheduled for the following week, a decision that underscored his dedication to his club commitments. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Tottenham confirmed the procedure was scheduled to minimize disruption to his club availability.
The goalkeeper’s absence from the Italy squad, while disappointing for the player, allows him to address a long-standing issue and return to the pitch in optimal condition for his club. The timing of the surgery, however, does raise questions about his potential involvement in the World Cup should Italy qualify, though the club remains hopeful he could be fit in time.
This transfer saga highlights the complex interplay between club and country commitments, player health, and the ever-shifting landscape of European football. For Vicario, a return to Serie A represents a chance to re-establish himself in his home country and potentially compete on the international stage.
The next few weeks will be crucial as Inter and Tottenham continue negotiations. Fans will be watching closely to see if Vicario’s desire for a Serie A return will materialize, and whether Inter can secure a deal for the talented goalkeeper.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story.
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