Roberto Di Matteo’s 2016 verdict on reportedly imminent Tottenham signing will surely excite fans

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on the signing of Pierluigi Gollini on a loan-to-buy deal from Atalanta. The Italian is said to have undergone his medical on Thursday ahead of the deal. Back in 2016, Roberto Di Matteo gave his verdict – and Spurs fans should be excited.

Gollini, 26, joins Tottenham after an excellent season with Champions League side Atalanta. The one-time Italy international clocked up 32 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side, keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets and conceding 32. Atalanta are of course, very attacking.

But Spurs are now set to add Gollini to their ranks initially on loan. Reports claim that they will have the option of a second season on loan, as well as a £13million option to make his deal permanent. Di Matteo’s verdict in 2016, when he was at Villa, will have Tottenham fans very excited.

“Pierluigi Gollini is a highly-rated goalkeeper in Italy, he’s young, a good shot-stopper, he comes for crosses, he’s good with his feet. He is very explosive too. He is very motivated and ambitious, he has integrated very easily into the group which is a real bonus,” Di Matteo said in 2016.

Can Gollini overtake Lloris at Tottenham – amid Di Matteo comments?

Initially, Hugo Lloris is likely to remain first choice between the sticks. The France captain was solid last season, an improvement on recent campaigns. But the ex-Lyon man has entered the final year of his contract. Gollini will play the cup competitions – Europe, FA Cup, Carabao Cup.

He might get 15 games, even more. Then, the real decision will come next summer. Does Gollini then join permanently and become number one, or do Tottenham offer Lloris a new deal? It depends on what happens over the course of the next 12 months.