Inter Milan Set to End Guglielmo Vicario Pursuit as Martinez Wins Starting Role
Inter Milan reportedly abandon their chase for Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario, with Josep Martinez set to become first-choice goalkeeper next season.
Inter Milan have reportedly decided to halt their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, according to sources close to the Serie A club. The Italian giants had been linked with a move for the Italy international as a potential upgrade between the posts, but a shift in internal strategy appears to have ended their interest.
Instead, the Nerazzurri are preparing to hand the starting role to Josep Martinez on a permanent basis for the upcoming season. Martinez, who joined from Genoa last summer, has impressed in training and limited first-team opportunities, leading the club's hierarchy to believe he can develop into a reliable number one.
Why Inter Are Dropping Vicario Interest
Inter's decision comes after careful evaluation of their goalkeeping department. Initially, Vicario—who joined Tottenham from Empoli in 2023—was seen as an ideal candidate to replace the aging Yann Sommer. However, the financial outlay required to pry Vicario from Tottenham proved a significant obstacle, with Spurs demanding a fee in excess of £40 million.
With Inter already committing to Martinez's long-term contract and the emergence of young prospect Raffaele Di Gennaro, the club believes they have sufficient depth without overspending on a new goalkeeper. The funds saved can now be redirected toward strengthening other positions, such as striker and central midfield, which are higher priorities for manager Simone Inzaghi.
Impact on Tottenham and Vicario
For Tottenham, the news will come as a relief, as the club were eager to retain Vicario, who has become a fan favorite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 27-year-old enjoyed a solid first season in North London, keeping eight clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances. His shot-stopping ability and distribution have been praised by manager Ange Postecoglou, who sees him as a key part of his rebuilding project.
Vicario's camp has never agitated for a move, and with Inter now out of the picture, he can focus on establishing himself as Spurs' long-term number one. The only lingering concern is competition from Fraser Forster and the returning Alfie Whiteman, but Vicario's form suggests he will retain his place.
What This Means for Inter's Summer Plans
With the Vicario pursuit shelved, Inter can now concentrate on other targets. The club are reportedly keen to sign a top-class striker to partner Lautaro Martinez, with names like Victor Osimhen and Marcus Thuram remaining on their radar. Additionally, a new central midfielder may be sought if Nicolò Barella leaves for a Premier League club.
Inter's decision also validates Martinez's potential. The 22-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has been impressive in training, and the coaching staff believes he can become one of Serie A's finest. However, handing him the starting role is a gamble, as he has made only nine senior appearances for the club so far. If Martinez stumbles, Inter may rue their decision not to pursue a more proven option like Vicario.
Overall, this development reshapes the goalkeeping market, with Vicario no longer a potential exit from Tottenham and Inter looking to build from within. For now, both clubs can focus on their respective plans without the distraction of a major transfer saga.