Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for James Trafford this summer as Guglielmo Vicario edges toward an Inter Milan transfer

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a potentially major change in goal this summer, with growing indications that Guglielmo Vicario is heading towards an exit and Inter Milan emerging as the leading destination for the Italian goalkeeper.

Vicario has been one of the few players to maintain a consistently solid level during Tottenham’s disastrous campaign, but his performances have not gone unnoticed in Serie A. Inter are now progressing in their efforts to bring him back to Italy, and Tottenham are beginning to examine the market for possible replacements ahead of what could be a defining transfer window.

One name firmly under consideration is James Trafford. Tottenham view the young English shot-stopper as a long-term option with significant upside, but whether they can realistically pursue him depends heavily on one crucial factor, survival. Spurs remain locked in a tense relegation battle, and their division status will directly shape both their spending power and the calibre of player they can attract.

If Tottenham fail to stay in the Premier League, there is every chance they simply place their trust in Antonin Kinsky as first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship. However, should Roberto De Zerbi manage to keep the club up, then sources suggest Trafford will become one of the priority names on the shortlist as Spurs seek a younger but already proven replacement for Vicario.

Any move will be far from straightforward. Trafford only joined Manchester City from Burnley last summer in a £27 million deal, and despite his limited first-team opportunities this season, City continues to regard him extremely highly behind current number one Gianluigi Donnarumma. 

There remains a genuine belief inside the Etihad that the 23-year-old could eventually become the club’s long-term successor between the posts. That internal confidence means Manchester City are not expected to welcome permanent bids easily, particularly from a Premier League rival. 

Still, Trafford’s frustrations over his lack of regular minutes are beginning to grow, and that has opened a possible door for interested clubs. Those close to the player believe he wants a clearer pathway to first-team football as he enters a critical stage of his development. Because of that, a loan arrangement is increasingly being discussed as the most realistic compromise. 

Such a move would allow Trafford to finally gain the week-to-week Premier League experience he is craving, while City would still retain control over a goalkeeper they continue to see as part of their future plans. For Tottenham, that could make him a much more attainable option than a costly permanent transfer.