Arsenal are linked with striker after striker at the moment and it’s gotten to the point where it seems increasingly unlikely we will secure any of our targets before the season starts. It’s at the stage where come September we’ll all be wishing Jamie Vardy joined us after all.
From the likes of Morata and Higuain, to Lacazette and Lukaku, Arsenal have so far had no luck at all in securing any of their striker targets, or even submitting an official bid based on what the media tells us. Another player to join the list of endless rumours is Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi, who is a SERIA A striker that is attracting plenty of interest across Europe.
Icardi had another promising season with Inter in Italy and although he seemingly has no real interest in leaving, the club could be putting him up for sale this summer. Arsenal are one interested party, alongside North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, although they have recently announced the capture of Vincent Janssen, so Spurs may no longer be too keen on the Milan forward. Spanish side Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be interested in Icardi.
Icardi’s wife, who is the player’s agent, handles all of her husband’s negotiations regarding contractual talks and offers from other clubs. She previously announced he is not for sale, however this may not be the case and has now stated that although there are offers from other sides in Europe, she hopes that Inter offer her husband a new contract in the near future.
Mrs Icardi said: “Ive asked for a renewal because the club promised me a renewal. Last year we accepted their conditions, which mean a lower salary, the sale of the 50% of Mauro’s economic rights and there is no release clause on his contract. They have to keep their promises.”
It seems as if she and her husband are keen on staying in Milan, with new contract negotiations hoping to be held. However she does recognise that Icardi does have other options and plenty of interest from other clubs, including Arsenal. Mrs Icardi continued: “There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.”
It seems that Arsenal mean business when it comes to Icardi, because unlike Lacazette at Lyon and Lukaku at Everton, Arsenal have actually made contact. Arsenal fans will be hoping that Icardi and his wife change their minds on wanting to stay at Inter Milan, because if they don’t come to London with Arsenal, then the Gunners can wave goodbye to yet another summer transfer target this year.
By AH