The Lilywhites picked up their first win in the Premier League this season, with a 3-1 win over Coventry City, with goals from James Maddison, Omar Marmoush, and Ben Davies.
However, Spurs’ leaky defence has been a big concern for manager Roberto De Zerbi, and Antonin Kinsky has not been convincing between the sticks so far this season.
In the summer transfer window, shotstopper Guglielmo Vicario was sent out on a season-long loan at Juventus, after De Zerbi picked Kinsky as the first-choice keeper.
After Vicario’s departure, Spurs added veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer to add depth and a reliable backup option.
Antonin Kinsky is just 23, and after becoming the number 1 choice, he signed a new five-year contract extension, but it seems Spurs are looking to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks.
According to Yahoo Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the development of goalkeeper Otavio, who currently plays in Brazil at Cruzeiro.
Otavio came through the ranks of Cruzeiro’s youth system, and he got his breakthrough after an injury to first-team custodian Cassio.
The 20-year-old displayed good shot-stopping ability, passing range, and quick reflexes, which have attracted interest from several clubs in Europe.
It has been suggested that Cruzeiro are willing to sit at the negotiation table in case clubs are ready to make an offer in the region of £25M to £30M for Otavio.
However, it will not be easy for European clubs to sign him, as his contract includes an £84M release clause.
During the last summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest were keen on signing Otavio, but it is believed that Cruzeiro rejected an offer of approximately £11M from the Tricky Trees.
This term, Otavio has made 33 appearances in all competitions, conceded 38 goals, and kept 8 clean sheets during the process.
At Cruzeiro, Otavio has developed into a decent shot-stopper who can not only deny clear goal-scoring opportunities, but also deliver quality long balls and spread the game into the flanks.
The 20-year-old is a decent ball-playing goalkeeper, and he is also very quick to get off his goal line and defend as a sweeper-keeper as well, which helps the team’s defence during quick counterattacks.
De Zerbi prefers to have his team soak up pressure from the opposition and then turn defence into attack with fluid and quick counterattacks on the break.
Otavio’s ability to distribute the ball and not succumb under pressure from opposition strikers could become vital for building from the back and unlocking the defence with long balls.
The Brazilian shot-stopper’s contract with Cruzeiro runs until 2031 following a contract extension in August 2026, which puts the club in a strong position at the negotiating table.
Cruzeiro are under no pressure to sell Otavio on a cut-price fee, and would be hoping for a bidding war to gain as much profit as possible.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur will turn their interest into a concrete signing, or Otavio will stay put in Brazil.
