Tottenham stance on Guglielmo Vicario transfer softens as Juventus push for loan deal

Juventus are growing increasingly confident of signing Guglielmo Vicario as Tottenham Hotspur's stance on the goalkeeper begins to soften.

The Italian club have stepped up their pursuit of the 29-year-old after failing to make progress in their efforts to sign Emiliano Martínez. Reports in Italy now suggest Juventus believe Tottenham could compromise on both their valuation and the structure of a potential deal.

However, there remains a significant difference between the type of loan Juventus would prefer and the agreement Spurs are likely to accept.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Vicario is keen on a move to Juventus and is viewed by the Turin club as a more cost-effective alternative to Martínez.

Juventus have already held initial talks with the Tottenham goalkeeper's representatives and are now attempting to find a formula that could lead to an agreement.

The Italian club believe Spurs' previous €15 million valuation could fall because of their current goalkeeping options.

Antonín Kinský is expected to have a major role next season, while experienced goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka has also arrived. Juventus therefore believe Tottenham are in a weaker negotiating position than they were earlier in the summer.

That confidence has encouraged the Serie A side to push harder for Vicario.

Tuttosport provides a similar update but focuses on the structure of the possible transfer.

Juventus would reportedly prefer a straightforward season-long loan without any commitment to buy Vicario permanently.

That proposal is unlikely to satisfy Tottenham.

Spurs would instead want an option to buy included in the agreement or, preferably, a conditional obligation that could turn the move into a permanent transfer if certain requirements are met.

The fact a loan is now being discussed at all suggests Tottenham may be becoming more flexible after initially seeking around €15 million for an outright sale.

However, accepting a simple loan with no realistic route to a permanent departure would represent a major retreat from their previous position.

The Italian confidence is based largely on Tottenham's current goalkeeping situation.

Kinský impressed towards the end of last season and appears to be in line for the No.1 position, while Dúbravka was brought in as an experienced alternative.

That leaves Vicario facing an uncertain future after losing his status as Tottenham's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

Juventus believe this situation will force Spurs to lower their demands.

Yet there is little reason for Tottenham to accept an unfavourable agreement simply to facilitate Vicario's return to Italy. A dry loan would remove the goalkeeper from the squad for one season without guaranteeing a transfer fee next summer.

A loan with a conditional obligation would make considerably more sense for Spurs, particularly if the conditions are realistically achievable.

Juventus are not the first Italian club to explore a move for Vicario this summer.

Inter Milan were initially leading the pursuit and had reportedly reached an agreement over personal terms. Sporting director Piero Ausilio also met the goalkeeper's representatives during a visit to London.

However, Inter eventually stepped away from the deal, allowing Juventus to move into the picture.

The Turin club have since held their own talks with Vicario's entourage and now appear increasingly serious about bringing him back to Serie A.

The goalkeeper's willingness to join Juventus could help negotiations, but Tottenham still need to be convinced by the financial package.

Juventus are expected to continue pushing for a loan agreement while Tottenham attempt to secure stronger guarantees over a future permanent transfer.

The key battle will be over the structure of the deal. Juventus want maximum flexibility, while Spurs need to avoid losing control of the situation by accepting a temporary move with no meaningful commitment attached.

With Vicario reportedly keen on the transfer and Tottenham now well stocked in goal, there appears to be room for an agreement. Whether Juventus can secure the bargain deal they expect is another matter entirely.

Should Tottenham accept a loan with an option for Guglielmo Vicario, or insist that Juventus commit to buying him permanently?