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As reported by Calciomercato’s Pasquale Guarro, Inter are slowing down their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
A verbal agreement has been in place with the Italy international and the soon-to-be Serie A champions, but the latter are willing to consider other options due to a multitude of factors.
Vicario’s own predicament hinders his return to Italy. His recent performances between the sticks for a Spurs side looking at a sensational relegation have not helped his reputation, while his recent hernia surgery ensures he will only be able to return to action in May.
As for the Nerazzurri, all three of their current first-team goalkeepers are cases they need to assess. Yann Sommer’s contract runs out this summer, and recent reports suggest that the club no longer find him sufficiently reliable and will make a decision on his future in June. Their second-choice keeper, Josep Martínez, has made it clear he no longer wishes to play second fiddle and will leave in the summer if the situation does not change.
Inter are also looking at an immense overhaul of their backline. Contracts of veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian are also expiring, while star man Alessandro Bastoni is likely to be part of a big-money transfer saga, with Barça lurking for his signature. The situation at right-back will also need to be addressed, with Denzel Dumfries likely to leave and Marco Palestra being Inter’s first choice to replace him.
Therefore, Inter are considering the possibility of promoting Josep Martínez to the role of first-choice keeper, which would allow them to save money and look for fewer keepers — should they choose to retain neither Sommer nor Di Gennaro — while also save funds for defenders in front of him.
While this by no means hints at Inter shutting the door on a move for Vicario, recent developments certainly suggest it is less likely to materialise this summer.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
