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Juventus have made a major breakthrough in their search for a new goalkeeper after reaching a full agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for Guglielmo Vicario. The Italy international is now set to return to his homeland on an initial loan move, with the Bianconeri turning their attention away from Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Bianconeri switch focus from Martinez to Vicario

Juventus have ended their pursuit of Martinez, with Tottenham’s Vicario now chosen as the main answer to their goalkeeping requirements. The Turin club had spent several weeks in talks with Aston Villa, but eventually stepped away after being informed that the Premier League side would not lower their €15m (£12.8m) asking price.

With a deal for Martinez no longer possible, the Italian side moved quickly. According to The Athletic, a total agreement was reached on Monday with Tottenham for the signing of Vicario, paving the way for the 29-year-old goalkeeper to make a Serie A return after leaving in 2023.

Financial details and loan structure

The agreement has been set up as a loan deal with a non-compulsory €10.5m (£9m) option to buy, according to Tuttosport. This gives the Bianconeri the chance to assess the player’s displays over the course of the season before deciding on a permanent transfer, making it a more economical option than their earlier targets.

For Tottenham, the move points to a shift in direction under Roberto De Zerbi, who has already selected Antonin Kinsky as his preferred first-choice goalkeeper. Vicario had a mixed season in north London last term, at times making costly errors before eventually losing his place in the starting line-up after undergoing hernia surgery in March.

Impact on the Juventus goalkeeping hierarchy

Vicario is set to join one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs after a turbulent three-year spell in England. He had initially joined Spurs from Empoli for a fee of around €20m and soon established himself as the successor to Hugo Lloris.

His arrival changes the present dressing-room situation in Turin. With Vicario expected to take over as the first-choice keeper, Michele Di Gregorio’s future has become increasingly unclear. According to Fabrizio Romano, the current Juventus goalkeeper has already been offered on loan to Marseille and other European clubs.

Spalletti gets his man

Luciano Spalletti has been eager to bring in a goalkeeper who is comfortable building play from the back, something Vicario showed regularly during the early part of his time at Tottenham. Although his form declined towards the end of his spell in London, Juventus staff believe a return to the tactical setting of Serie A will help him recover his best level.

This transfer forms part of a wider summer rebuild for the Old Lady. After recently completing the signing of Jhon Lucumi from Bologna, the arrival of a new goalkeeper adds further strength to a defence going through major changes, with Vicario now preparing to settle into Spalletti’s system.