Tottenham‘s search for a new goalkeeper is intensifying as the club prepares for life without Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian shot-stopper is reportedly determined to leave north London this summer after a turbulent season, with Juventus among his potential destinations.
Vicario has been heavily criticised for a string of high-profile errors during Spurs' nightmare campaign, which has seen them win just two of their last 18 Premier League matches and slide dangerously close to the relegation zone.
With Vicario's departure looking increasingly likely, Tottenham have been linked with several replacements including Manchester City's James Trafford, Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson and Lens youngster Robin Risser. Now, another name has emerged on their radar: PSG‘s Lucas Chevalier.
Chevalier loses battle with Safonov at PSG
It is an unexpected turn of events in Paris. At the start of the season, nobody would have imagined that Matvey Safonov would establish himself as PSG's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Lucas Chevalier. Yet that is exactly what has been happening for several weeks now. The Russian stopper has seized his opportunity.
He took advantage of the former LOSC man's difficult early months and subsequent ankle injury to cement his place as the starter. As a result, since Chevalier's return from injury at the end of January, Safonov has not left Luis Enrique's starting XI. The 27-year-old has now started 11 consecutive matches, all while Chevalier watches on from the bench.
On Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge, the Russian international, who had not been particularly impressive since taking over, reassured with important saves and a clean sheet against Chelsea. L'Equipe highlights that he continues to gain ground in his battle with the Frenchman.
The French sports daily reports that Lucas Chevalier “is obviously not satisfied with his situation, where confusion may be mixed with disappointment”. The 24-year-old goalkeeper is not giving up and can count on the support of those close to him during this difficult spell, having joined Paris last summer for £34m, excluding bonuses.
Tottenham interested in Chevalier as Vicario replacement
He notably “told those close to him that he had managed to take a step back from the situation, that his head was in a good place and that he would not be fatalistic about his role”, L'Equipe added.
Nevertheless, his situation is attracting interest on the market, as he would reportedly be unwilling to stay if his backup status is confirmed by the end of the season. Indeed, the same source reports that certain clubs have already positioned themselves for this summer.
This is notably the case with Tottenham, who would look to sign him should he decide to leave Paris. Spurs, who won the Europa League last season but will not be competing in European competition next term, have been searching for a first-choice goalkeeper for several months. They are therefore considering Lucas Chevalier, who is valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, as a potential solution to their goalkeeping woes.
