Juventus have approached Tottenham Hotspur regarding a move for Guglielmo Vicario, with direct negotiations now underway over a loan deal that includes a clause for a permanent transfer next summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Vicario's Return to Italy
The 29-year-old Italian goalkeeper sat in the stands during Tottenham's friendly against Hoffenheim over the weekend as he awaits a move away from north London. Vicario had always been keen to return home, and it now appears he will get his wish.
The development comes after Juventus pulled the plug on a deal to sign Emi Martinez. The deal reportedly broke down due to a price gap between the clubs, and it comes after Aston Villa reached an agreement to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
De Zerbi's Squad Overhaul
Vicario was not part of Roberto De Zerbi's squad for the pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. The Italian side also added veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to support Antonin Kinsky earlier this summer.
Speaking on the club's pre-season tour, De Zerbi indicated Vicario had told him he wanted to depart, in addition to the now departed Cristian Romero, who completed a move to Atletico Madrid over the weekend.
De Zerbi's Comments on Departures
De Zerbi said: "At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don't know, one million individual meetings! And [the players] told me what their idea was. I said: 'Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave'. If you don't help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!"
"But [Cristian] Romero with me was unbelievable. Top. In his behaviour, his respect, he suffered when he did not play the last game. It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It's not true."
"After the semi-final [against England] we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for Vicario, like for every player."
