Argentine Pursuit Officially Collapses
Juventus have officially abandoned their pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, ending a summer-long chase for the Aston Villa goalkeeper after failing to bridge a persistent gap on price. Attention has now swiftly turned toward Tottenham Hotspur's Guglielmo Vicario, with talks reportedly accelerating fast.
Notably, Juventus had agreed personal terms with Martinez as far back as early June, believing that deal represented their clearest path toward solving a genuine goalkeeping crisis. However, Villa's valuation, reportedly sitting around €10 million against Juventus' offer of €7 million plus €3 million in bonuses, proved impossible to bridge. Concerns over a finger injury Martinez carried through the World Cup only reinforced Juventus' growing hesitation.
Consequently, focus shifted decisively toward Vicario, a target Juventus had monitored throughout the summer without ever finding suitable terms. Earlier attempts to sign him on a straight loan were firmly rejected by Tottenham, who insisted on a structure including an obligation to buy rather than a simple temporary arrangement.
That resistance appears to have finally softened. Sources suggest Juventus successfully negotiated a loan deal featuring an obligation to buy, unlocking the breakthrough that had eluded both clubs for weeks. Vicario himself has reportedly been eager for the move throughout, viewing a return to Serie A as the ideal opportunity to reignite his stalling career.
De Zerbi's Preference Opens The Door
His situation at Tottenham had grown increasingly difficult under Roberto De Zerbi, who has consistently favoured Antonin Kinsky between the posts this pre-season. Vicario, despite helping Spurs lift the Europa League in 2025, hasn't featured in any pre-season fixtures, a clear signal regarding his diminishing role.
For Tottenham, sanctioning this exit offers a sensible resolution. Rather than keeping a frustrated, out-of-favour goalkeeper on the books, the club can secure a permanent transfer fee while clearing space within their goalkeeping department heading into the new campaign.
With paperwork reportedly progressing quickly, according to Goal, Juventus hope to schedule Vicario's medical examinations before Serie A's opening weekend arrives.
