Tottenham approach Empoli about goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario

Tottenham has reportedly approached Empoli about Guglielmo Vicario, seen as an affordable goalkeeper option, with Brentford not budging on the £40 million asking price for David Raya.

Tottenham is moving on with contingency plans in goal.

They are unwilling to pay £40 million to secure Raya’s services, even though personal terms with the Spaniard have been agreed. Spurs have various issues with Brentford’s asking price, but the primary point of contention is that Raya has just one year left on his contract.

Vicario is thought to be worth less than half of Raya’s fee. The 26-year-old could be Tottenham’s for as little as €20 million. Vicario made 31 appearances in 2022-23, keeping seven clean sheets and allowing 39 goals.

Empoli finished 14th in the Serie A table. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have made initial contact with Empoli, but nothing concrete has been discussed or tabled.

Tottenham still prefers Raya, but the two sides are so far apart in their valuation that it looks more improbable that he will move to north London.

Ange Postecoglou wants a keeper who can act as a sweeper whose distribution is pinpoint from any range.

The would-be suitor must also be highly confident with the ball at his feet, ensuring Tottenham retains possession and advance up the pitch as quickly as possible.

Spurs are also pondering the option of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Valencia’s 22-year-old goalkeeper. Though at this stage, it appears Tottenham is slightly more serious about the Vicario option, as Empoli and Tottenham have already engaged in preliminary negotiations.

Vicario is a somewhat unknown commodity, at least comparatively speaking. Although I’m sure, Ange wouldn’t be pursuing him if he wasn’t the sort of possession-based keeper he is looking for.