Tottenham considering surprise Gollini U-turn as Serie A suitors predict three-way battle

Samuel Bannister 17 May 2022 1:21 PM

Tottenham Hotspur are open to keeping Pierluigi Gollini after all despite a strong interest from Torino, according to reports in Italy.

Gollini has been spending the 2021-22 season on loan at Tottenham from Atalanta. He left the Serie A side after their own signing of Juan Musso pushed him into a back-up role. But he has also had to play the supporting act for Spurs.

Hugo Lloris has been Antonio Conte’s number one this season. The club captain recently signed a contract extension as well, ensuring he will be at the club for a couple more years.

However, Tottenham are aware they will need to find his long-term successor sooner rather than later. That was one of the motivations behind their acquisition of Gollini.

The Italian arrived in north London on loan with an option to buy. In fact, the deal could automatically become permanent if he reaches a certain appearance threshold.

But there have been doubts as to whether Tottenham want him to stay. He is yet to play in the Premier League for them and last featured in a Carabao Cup match in the first half of January.

It had been thought that Spurs were refraining from using him too much to avoid triggering the automatic purchase clause. Reports have been widespread about them looking for a different keeper to support Lloris for next season.

For example, the likes of West Brom’s Sam Johnstone – who will become a free agent this summer – have been linked.

Tottenham keeper Pierluigi Gollini set for early exit

Tottenham keeper Pierluigi Gollini could secure an early exit as he has reportedly convinced an Italian team over a summer move

However, Tuttomercatoweb now claim Tottenham want to confirm Gollini’s stay at the club. It indicates they are ready to sign him permanently after all.

Despite this, they face competition from back in Gollini’s homeland. Torino have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old recently.

Unlike Tottenham, they are eyeing him as a number one, rather than rotation option. He would be replacing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in Turin.

Per TMW, Torino are in contact over a potential transfer for Gollini. He is their preferred option, although they are aware of two other interested clubs in their league.

Gollini could yet deserve second Tottenham chance

The Tottenham avenue may remain alive too, contrary to previous beliefs.

Despite his lack of action this season, it may make sense for Tottenham to keep Gollini.

He is a good goalkeeper who could be trusted with more minutes than he has received this season. Perhaps the club have just been cautious with him so they can make a decision on their own terms.

From his 10 appearances for the club this season, he has only conceded 11 goals. Prior to that, in his last season with Atalanta, he let in 32 goals from the same number of games.

Those are not bad ratios and at 27, he is at a good age for a goalkeeper. Perhaps he deserves more faith going forward.

Aware of that himself, though, a return to Italian football to be a number one may be more appealing. That could force Tottenham to revert to any previous plan regarding other goalkeeper targets.

Tottenham Hotspur Pierluigi Gollini