Tottenham medical booked, as insider reveals imminent new signing is ‘the best’ in his position right now

Guglielmo Vicario will undergo a Tottenham medical on Sunday, and an inside source has spoken incredibly highly of the player Spurs are signing for a bargain fee.

After 12 years in north London, Hugo Lloris has determined the time is right to experience a new challenge. The veteran Frenchman is expected to depart this summer and Spurs have turned to Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario as his replacement.

Brentford’s David Raya was initially in their sights and an agreement over personal terms was struck.

However, Brentford’s £40m asking price was deemed excessive by both Tottenham and Man Utd. Given Raya is just 12 months away from becoming a free agent, Spurs and United’s reservations may well be justified.

Instead, Tottenham quickly ramped up a move for 26-year-old Vicario who enjoyed a superb campaign at Empoli.

The 6ft 4in stopper had emerged as a target for Inter Milan who could be on the cusp of losing Andre Onana to Man Utd. However, it’s Tottenham who’ve struck first.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano revealed a five-year deal running until 2028 has been agreed. In a subsequent update, the transfer guru reported a medical has been pencilled in for Sunday.

Romano claimed Tottenham will pay €19m (approx. £16.2m), while Sky Sports cited a slightly higher €20m (£17.1m) fee.

In any case, the numbers involved could represent a superb bargain for Spurs if the comments of a source with inside knowledge of Vicario are anything to go by.

“He’s the best Italian goalkeeper right now”

In quotes carried by Sky Sports a ‘highly respected goalkeeping coach with a top Serie A team’ claimed Vicario is the best Italian goalkeeper playing the game right now.

That would put Vicario ahead of the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Napoli’s title-winning stopper, Alex Meret.

Vicario was recently called up to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for the finals of the UEFA Nations League. Donnarumma got the nod in the clashes with Spain and the Netherlands, though could soon feel the heat from Vicario.

“In my opinion he’s the best Italian goalkeeper right now, but may need time to adjust to the Premier League,” the source told Sky Sports.

“He’s evolved fantastically in the past 12 months. He’s very consistent and never makes big mistakes.

“He’s good with his feet, but not spectacular, because he’s aware of the risks of playing out.

“For Tottenham, he’s not yet Hugo Lloris, but has a similar style.”

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