Empoli’s president believes Serie A challengers Inter Milan are regretting missing out on Guglielmo Vicario before the Italy international secured his move to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur over the summer.
Had negotiations between Manchester United and the Nerazzuri not rumbled on for quite as long as they did, would Guglielmo Vicario be an Inter Milan player these days?
It is no secret that Inter were keen on the ex-Empoli shot-stopper. But, with Inter first facing the issue of finding a buyer for Onana – with Manchester United eventually stumping up £47 million in July – Tottenham Hotspur found themselves with a relatively clear run at one of European football’s best up-and-coming glovesmen.
Tottenham beat Inter Milan to Guglielmo Vicario
“The disappointment not seeing him with an Italian team fighting for the Scudetto,” says Fabrizio Corsi, Empoli’s president speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss about a deal which took Vicario to England for around £17 million.
“I think Inter are eating their hands a bit. But they had the problem of selling Onana first, and Tottenham moved first (for Vicario).”
Vicario has been nothing short of a revelation during his first few months in North London. Alongside Micky van de Ven, so impressive since his £34 million arrival from Wolfsburg, Vicario has transformed a backline breached with worrying regularity during a dismal final season under Antonio Conte.
Spurs looked at Andre Onana and David Raya
One Serie A import has clearly outperformed another in recent months too, with Tottenham having also shown an interest in Onana – as well as Arsenal’s David Raya – before throwing their weight behind the hitherto little-known Vicario.
“It all started a few months ago,” Albert Botines, Onana’s agent, tells Calciomercato. “Towards April, many inquired about the player.
“Tottenham asked for information. Chelsea had a very strong interest. There were meetings in London, and Chelsea also met with Inter. But (Red Devils boss) Erik ten Hag was key.”
Vicario has five clean sheets so far in the Premier League. It is not just his superb reflexes, meanwhile, but his composure in possession which has made the Italian such a fans’ favourite already.
“I think big credit to Vic for making unbelievable saves,” Spurs captain Heung-Min Son told SpursPlay after October’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
“I am enjoying every single moment (with Vicario). It is fantastic to have him behind the goal. Obviously any game we are going to face chances and shots on target. But when you have Vic behind us you are just very comfortable he is going to make unbelievable saves.
“He brings so much to the team and I am very, very happy to have him in the team.”
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