Inter Set to Sign Tottenham's Vicario as Part of Squad Overhaul
Inter Milan are closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports from Italy. The 27-year-old Italian international is set to return to Serie A after just one season in the Premier League, with the deal seen as a key move in a summer of significant transition for the Nerazzurri.
The move would see Vicario, who joined Tottenham from Empoli in 2023, return to Italy on a permanent deal. The transfer, which has been described as a long-term ambition for the player and the club, comes three years after Inter were first linked with the goalkeeper. In 2021, Inter were in advanced talks to sign Vicario from Empoli, but the deal collapsed, allowing Tottenham to secure his signature a year later.
Vicario's arrival at the San Siro is part of a broader, and notably less Italian, rebuild for the Serie A champions. The club is preparing for the departure of several experienced Italian internationals. Defenders Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian, both in the final months of their contracts, are expected to leave as free agents, while midfielder Davide Frattesi is also set to depart in search of more playing time.
Furthermore, the future of star defender Alessandro Bastoni is a major talking point. The Italian international is a target for Barcelona, and a significant offer from the Spanish giants could force Inter to consider a sale to fund a major squad overhaul. The potential departure of Bastoni, a pillar of the defense, would necessitate a major restructuring of the backline.
The potential signing of Vicario is seen as a direct replacement for Yann Sommer, and his arrival would signal a clear succession plan for the goalkeeping position. Vicario, who will turn 28 in October, has earned plaudits for his shot-stopping ability and distribution, earning a regular spot in the Italian national team setup as understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma. His experience in the Premier League and Europa League, which he won with Manchester United in 2023, is viewed as a valuable asset for Inter's ambitions in Serie A and Europe.
This transfer is part of a wider strategic shift for Inter, as they move away from a core of veteran Italian players towards a new, more international spine. The potential outgoings of Acerbi, Darmian, and Frattesi, all Italian internationals, underscore this transition. The club's sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has reportedly set a high asking price for Bastoni, which could provide the funds for a major midfield reinforcement, with Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Koné a reported primary target.
For Tottenham, the sale of Vicario, after a single season, would represent a significant profit on their initial investment as they look to reshape their own squad under new manager Ange Postecoglou. For Inter and manager Simone Inzaghi, securing a reliable, long-term goalkeeper is the first major piece of a crucial summer rebuild, as the club looks to defend its Serie A title and make a deeper impact in the UEFA Champions League.
