According to Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa have registered interested in Paulo Gazzaniga. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper is expected to leave north London in the summer, following the expiry of his contract at the end of the season. The player will therefore be available as a free agent, though Spurs can prolong his stay at the club if they desire.
Paulo Gazzaniga’s Spell At Tottenham
Formerly of Southampton, Paulo Gazzaniga joined Tottenham back in 2017. He was brought in as a replacement for Pau Lopez, whose loan deal had expired, making him the primary alternative to Hugo Lloris and Michael Vorm.
The Argentine, though, has had a difficult time in north London. He made only one appearance in his first season at the club, and though he did become the second choice ‘keeper in the following season, the former Valencia starlet could only muster 11 competitive appearances.
It wasn’t until the 2019/20 campaign when Gazzaniga received a considerable run of game-time, featuring in 18 Premier League matches in the absence of Lloris. However, his performances were underwhelming, thus forcing then-manager Jose Mourinho to sign Joe Hart last summer.
It once again made Gazzaniga the third-choice ‘keeper at Spurs, with the 29-year-old also being shipped out to Elche CF on a short-term loan deal in the January transfer window. He did make eight La Liga appearances during the backend of the season, helping the club avoid the wrath of relegation.
What Does The Future Hold For Gazzaniga?
It has already been confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur will let go of Paulo Gazzaniga in the summer, following the expiry of his contract. It is a slightly risky move from the club’s perspective, given the fact that they have two ageing goalkeepers in Lloris and Hart, and might be forced to sign a long-term replacement in the summer.
Gazzaniga, nevertheless, wouldn’t have had any future at north London, as the Argentine simply hadn’t done enough with the opportunities he received. It also appears that Spurs are in the market for a new goalkeeper as well, as they look to prepare for life without Lloris.
A move to Aston Villa, in that regard, might make sense for Gazzaniga, as he looks to compete with Emiliano Martinez for a place in the first team. The two goalkeepers would be former outcasts in Tottenham and Arsenal respectively but could find their feet in the Premier League. However, Gazzaniga should ideally return to Elche where he can become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
