Tottenham target Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as club explores swap or transfer with Napoli
Tottenham target Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as Spurs open talks with Napoli over a potential transfer or swap involving Guglielmo Vicario ahead of the new season.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly advancing discussions with Napoli over a move for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as Roberto De Zerbi reshapes his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The talks, which could include a direct transfer or a swap involving current Spurs number one Guglielmo Vicario, would add an experienced option to Tottenham’s goalkeeping roster and reflect the club’s wider summer overhaul.
Tottenham weigh move for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
Tottenham’s transfer activity this summer has prioritized defensive and midfield reinforcements, but the club is now turning attention to the goalkeeper position with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic emerging as a leading candidate. The Serbian, who has been part of Napoli’s squad, offers Premier League experience possibilities and a profile that matches Spurs’ need for a seasoned backup or competition for the starting spot.
Sources indicate that Spurs may open formal club-to-club negotiations in the coming days, signalling an intent to conclude business ahead of preseason and the transfer window’s closing stages. Any approach would be evaluated against Tottenham’s wage structure and De Zerbi’s tactical plans, with the manager keen to balance youth and experience between the posts.
Swap option involving Guglielmo Vicario under consideration
A swap deal that would see Guglielmo Vicario return to Italy is one of the scenarios under consideration in discussions between Tottenham and Napoli. Vicario, who joined Spurs and established himself as a primary option, has had a mixed spell and a return to Serie A would present him an opportunity to re-establish form in his home country.
Napoli’s interest in Vicario could simplify negotiations, but clubs will still need to determine how any differential in valuation is settled, whether through an additional fee or structured payments. Such exchange proposals are complex and require alignment on medicals, personal terms and how each player fits into their prospective club’s immediate plans.
Playing time dynamics at Napoli and Spurs
At Napoli, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic has often featured as a secondary option behind the club’s chosen starter, limiting his league minutes but keeping him involved in cup competitions and select fixtures. That role, combined with his experience, makes him attractive to teams seeking a reliable goalkeeper who can step into the fold without a lengthy adaptation period.
Tottenham’s goalkeeping situation is evolving, with Roberto De Zerbi reportedly placing trust in young Antonin Kinsky while still valuing proven senior options. Bringing Milinkovic-Savic to north London would provide both competition and cover, offering De Zerbi a blend of youth and maturity to manage across domestic and European commitments.
Financial picture and market valuation
Market sources list Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s valuation in the mid-single-digit millions of pounds to the low tens, with Transfermarkt placing him at around £17 million, a figure that often serves as a reference point for negotiations. Napoli’s willingness to move a player with limited starting minutes could lower the required fee, while a swap involving Vicario would recalibrate the financial element of any deal.
Clubs will factor in wages, potential sell-on clauses and amortisation when calculating a fair price, and Tottenham will seek a deal that aligns with their budget and squad-building strategy. If Spurs pursue a swap, negotiations must reconcile differing contract lengths and player valuations to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome.
Roberto De Zerbi’s goalkeeping blueprint
Roberto De Zerbi’s approach since taking charge has emphasised ball-playing and a high defensive line that places specific demands on a goalkeeper’s distribution and decision-making under pressure. Any incoming goalkeeper, including Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, would be assessed on his ability to fit those tactical requirements and to complement the manager’s preferred system.
De Zerbi appears committed to offering opportunities to younger players like Antonin Kinsky while ensuring the squad retains experienced figures capable of steadying the team. A move for Milinkovic-Savic would provide De Zerbi with an alternative who has operated in elite European competitions and can deliver reliable performances when called upon.
Career implications for Milinkovic-Savic and Vicario
For Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, a transfer to Tottenham would represent a chance to secure more regular playing time in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues and to raise his profile on a larger stage. The Premier League’s intensity and visibility could reinvigorate his career at 29, allowing him to challenge for starting opportunities or to serve as a trusted deputy with occasional cup and league appearances.
Guglielmo Vicario’s potential return to Italy would give him the opportunity to rebuild confidence and continuity in familiar surroundings, which can be crucial for a goalkeeper’s form and development. Both players stand to benefit from a move if it matches their ambitions for playing time, stability and a clear role within the squad.
Logistics, timing and next steps for clubs
If Tottenham and Napoli enter formal negotiations, the immediate tasks will be agreeing valuation, ironing out personal terms and completing medical assessments before any transfer can be finalised. Because transfer windows operate under tight timelines, clubs often seek to conclude such deals swiftly to integrate players into preseason training and tactical plans.
Both sides will also need to consider contingency options should talks stall, keeping alternative goalkeeper targets or internal solutions in reserve. Spurs’ recruitment team will weigh multiple factors including adaptability, injury history and resale potential as they progress discussions with Napoli.
Tottenham’s reported interest in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic adds a notable twist to the club’s summer transfer narrative, offering a pragmatic option in goal whether as a direct signing or part of an exchange for Guglielmo Vicario. The outcome will hinge on negotiations between the two clubs and on how each player’s representatives and managers view the sporting and financial terms on offer.
