Tottenham Hotspur may soon be facing a major decision in their goalkeeping department as new reports from Italy suggest Inter Milan are preparing an ambitious proposal involving a swap deal.
The focus of that potential exchange is Guglielmo Vicario, a player whose time in North London has been anything but smooth but who still holds the trust of the coaching staff as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Vicario has shown moments of real brilliance since joining Spurs, blending sharp reflexes with confident distribution. On his best days, he looks every bit the modern Premier League goalkeeper.
But those highs have been mixed with costly mistakes and a few high-profile errors that have frustrated supporters and added pressure to his performances. Even so, he remains the clear number one option and has shown strong character in bouncing back from difficult moments.
Recent stories, however, hint at a potential change in direction. Reports have emerged suggesting the 29-year-old could be tempted by a return to Serie A, and Inter Milan have been credited with strong interest.
There is growing noise that Vicario may be open to heading back to Italy, especially if the right project presents itself.
Italian outlet InterLive has added more detail to the speculation by revealing that Inter could look to structure a swap deal involving Davide Frattesi, a player long admired by Fabio Paratici.
According to the report, a January transfer seems unlikely, but a summer move is seen as far more realistic. Inter are believed to be assessing ways to reduce the cash element of any negotiation, with Frattesi positioned as a valuable asset who could tempt Tottenham into talks.
Frattesi’s situation is also attracting attention. The midfielder, considered one of Italy’s brightest talents not too long ago, has barely been used in the league by Cristian Chivu this season.
That lack of playing time means Inter may be willing to cash in, especially if it helps them complete a deal for a new long-term goalkeeper.
The idea of Frattesi moving to the Premier League is not new, and he is thought to be open to the challenge should a suitable opportunity arise.
Paratici’s long-standing track record of signing Serie A players adds another layer to the story. His fondness for Frattesi is well documented, and it strengthens the belief that Tottenham might at least listen if Inter present a formal proposal.
Spurs also have a crowded but uneven goalkeeping group. Behind Vicario sit Kinsky and Austin, with Kinsky still viewed as a developing player rather than someone ready for Premier League responsibility. If Vicario were to leave, Spurs would be forced to enter the market for an experienced replacement.
It is understood that Tottenham could value Vicario at more than £30 million, meaning any deal would require Inter to send a significant fee or include a player of real quality to balance the valuation.
That is where Frattesi becomes a key bargaining chip. Inter know Spurs will not consider losing their first-choice keeper without a clear benefit, so inserting a sought-after midfielder into the discussion is seen as their most realistic route.
Should Vicario depart, Spurs already have targets in mind. Reports have mentioned Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen as one of the names the club are monitoring closely.
The Dutch goalkeeper is highly rated and fits Tottenham’s preferred profile: young, confident with the ball and capable of growing into a long-term solution.
The situation remains fluid, and nothing appears imminent, but the fact that these discussions are surfacing so early suggests that the summer window could be lively for both clubs.
For Tottenham, the decision will come down to whether they believe Vicario can still be the goalkeeper they build around or whether a fresh start for both sides makes sense.
For Inter, it is clear they see him as a potential successor to their current number one, and they are already preparing the groundwork to make their move.
Whatever happens, the next few months will bring clarity. And if negotiations deepen, Tottenham may soon find themselves weighing up the value of their goalkeeper against the promise of a midfielder they have admired for years.
