Arsenal target Mauro Icardi’s agent will reportedly jet into England to begin negotiations with the Gunners over a possible move, according to reports in Daily Star.
The search for that elusive striker who can lead the Gunners to the Premier League title started out with Vardy deciding against moving to the North London, followed by the Higuain deal which contrary to reports was actually a non-starter thanks to the money involved.
Lacazette has also been heavily linked but there hasn’t been any progress and although Icardi seems hot right now, no one really knows how that pans out.
The report from which originated from Italian news outlet Il Messaggero claims that Icardi’s agent and wife Wanda Nara, will jet to England for discussions with the Gunners.
However, it further states that Nara might also hold talks with the Gunners London rivals Chelsea and the Blues are reportedly ready to use Diego Costa as a bargaining chip to land the striker.
The Serie A side are thought to be resistant despite the departure of head coach Roberto Mancini, and will reportedly offer Icardi a new contract worth €5m a year. which is a huge pay rise from his current £3.2m-a-year contract.
This rumours of Icardi to Arsenal have been going on for months now with contradictory reports throughout. Initially, his agent was thought to be in London but it turned out that the rumours aren’t true.
Then there was a public outburst from his agent followed by the president’s reaction, however, it ended with both parties stating that the player is happy to stay.
It’s long been a problem position for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Danny Welbeck’s injury leaves Olivier Giroud as Arsenal’s only recognized striker and Icardi certainly offers something different.
The Argentinian is extremely sharp around the box, regularly getting the jump on defenders due to his brilliant anticipation. Whether Icardi is, in the generic sense, the ‘ideal’ striker that Arsenal are in need of is a matter that is open to debate. Is he an upgrade over many of the strikers that Arsenal have targeted, or currently possess at their disposal? I would think so.
The San Siro skipper would certainly strengthen the Arsenal roaster substantially. Whether he will convert the North London giants into title contenders is as difficult a question to answer as any other regarding the premier league, and what will happen in this league next season.