Tottenham Hotspur are eager to begin discussions with Paolo Gazzaniga over a new and improved contract, according to Football Insider.
The Argentine goalkeeper has proven himself to be a very capable understudy to Hugo Lloris in his two-and-a-half seasons at Spurs and is currently enjoying his longest run in the team, having started the last 12 matches in all competitions deputizing for the injured club captain.
Football Insider understands that Jose Mourinho has been impressed with Gazzaniga, who is contracted until the summer of 2022 and is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad, having initially joined as third choice in 2017, after a spell largely sat on the bench at Southampton.
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If true, this could one of two things – smart contract management from Spurs, who have failed miserably in this area over the last 18 months – or a reward for Gazzaniga’s solid displays during his time as No.1. Or both.
Mourinho’s arrival makes Lloris’s immediate return to the team less guaranteed than it was under Mauricio Pochettino. Considering the Frenchman’s recent error-strewn form, I would be happy for Gazzaniga to retain the gloves ahead of Lloris for the remainder of the season.
But I don’t think there is enough confidence in Gazzaniga for him to be the long-term answer. I’d be more than happy to see him sign a new deal with a deserved pay rise, but only if he is signing as deputy for somebody else.
And that doesn’t have to be Lloris, either. In fact, I’d rather it weren’t.
I’d like him to stay number one, Lloris out.