Spalletti reveals why Juventus chose Vicario after Alisson and Martinez talks

Luciano Spalletti has revealed Juventus considered signing Alisson Becker and Emiliano Martinez before eventually choosing Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as their new number one.

Vicario has joined Juventus on an initial season-long loan, with the Italian club holding an option to make the transfer permanent for a reported €8m plus €2m in bonuses.

However, the 29-year-old was not the only Premier League goalkeeper considered during Juventus' search.

Spalletti has now explained that Liverpool's Alisson and Aston Villa's Martinez were targeted because Juventus initially wanted an experienced goalkeeper capable of immediately bringing leadership to the team.

Juventus explored several high-profile options before completing their deal for Vicario.

Spalletti admitted the greater experience offered by Alisson and Martinez was attractive, but believes Vicario has enough pedigree to operate at the same level.

“We probably thought, by having an experienced goalkeeper like Alisson, Martinez and so on, because they were the names we were looking for, we would still have something more in terms of experience,” Spalletti explained.

“But Vicario has also won competitions, he has had experience abroad at a very important club, so we are at that level.”

Juventus ultimately abandoned their pursuit of Martinez after failing to reach an agreement, while Vicario's desire to return to Serie A helped his transfer progress.

Vicario arrives in Turin following a difficult final season at Tottenham, but Spalletti remains convinced of his quality.

The Juventus coach particularly values the goalkeeper's mentality and dedication away from matchdays.

“Vicario is a mature, intelligent, professional player,” Spalletti said. “He’s got pedigree, one of those players who thinks about the sport even when he goes home in his spare time.”

Spalletti acknowledged that something prevented Vicario from producing his best performances last season but insisted he remains a “top goalkeeper”.

That faith should give the Italian an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after falling down the hierarchy at Tottenham.

Vicario is only one part of a wider Juventus rebuild.

Colombia international Jhon Lucumi has arrived from Bologna to strengthen the defence, with Spalletti praising the centre-back's physicality and South American “garra”.

Juventus have also strengthened their attack with Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic.

Spalletti described Kolo Muani as a complete striker capable of attacking space, linking with teammates and providing pace and technique.

Alajbegovic, meanwhile, has impressed the Juventus coach with his creativity and versatility, although Spalletti wants to see him translate that talent into consistent performances.

Vicario now has the opportunity to establish himself as Juventus' new number one and prove the club were right to choose him after considering two of the Premier League's most established goalkeepers.

Spalletti clearly believes the former Tottenham man already possesses the mentality and experience required. The next challenge is for Vicario to rediscover his best form and make Juventus' option to sign him permanently an easy decision.