Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is a concrete target for Juventus.
Tottenham Hotspur have been proactive in this summer transfer window, signing four players already. They have also agreed a fee with West Ham to sign Mateus Fernandes.
Primary focus has been put on improving the defensive unit in this transfer window. In Martin Dubravka, Spurs have also snapped up an experienced, Premier League-proven goalkeeper. This is a step taken in the wake of Guglielmo Vicario’s possible exit.
Across three seasons, Guglielmo Vicario has failed to convince both fans and the hierarchy that he is an ideal No.1 for the Lilywhites. He underwent hernia surgery during the closing stages of the campaign, which led to Roberto De Zerbi trusting Antonin Kinsky in goal. And Kinsky was outstanding in the final seven games, playing a big part in Tottenham’s survival in the top flight.
Guglielmo Vicario makes wage demands clear to move back to Serie A
Despite an underwhelming season, Vicario is not short of suitors. Juventus and Napoli have shown an interest in the Tottenham shot-stopper. Newly-appointed Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali has confirmed that Vicario sits high on their goalkeeping shortlist.
Now, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that Vicario and his entourage have held talks with Juventus. The 29-year-old is seeking a pay rise. He agreed a deal worth €3.5m per season with Inter Milan but now wants €4m per season after tax from the Bianconeri.
This may turn out to be an issue, considering that the Spurs glovesman was somewhat being targeted because of his reasonably low wages. While Juventus admire Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, the economic demands surrounding the Argentine make the Spurs goalkeeper a realistic alternative.
Vicario is on a £75,000 per week contract at White Hart Lane, excluding bonuses, and wants higher wages at Juventus. However, his lucrative demands could cause a problem, as Juventus want to be disciplined with their wage policy. Plus, the Turin giants will have to meet Tottenham’s asking price for the goalkeeper, which could be around £20million.
Vicario’s time in North London is up. With Spurs announcing a new, improved deal for Kinsky, coupled with Dubravka’s acquisition on a free transfer from Burnley, the departure of the ex-Empoli man looks inevitable. Spurs are fully prepared to sanction a departure if their £20million valuation is met. However, the Tottenham custodian must first lower his wage demands to agree on personal terms with Juve.