Paris Saint-Germain's Argentine forward Mauro Icardi (C) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on October 27, 2019. (Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are monitoring striker Mauro Icardi’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer transfer window.
Mauro Icardi, 27, joined Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan from Inter Milan in the summer. The centre-forward has been in blistering form for Paris Saint-Germain, racking up 11 goals and two assists in 19 Ligue 1 appearances.
The defending Ligue 1 champions do have the option to make that move permanent come the end of the season for around £54.4million. However, Chelsea will make an attempt to sign the Argentina international should the transfer not materialise, the report adds. (h/t The Sun)
Chelsea have endured a mixed campaign under Frank Lampard as they lie fourth in the table, three points above fifth-placed Manchester United. Despite no new players arriving at Stamford Bridge over the last two transfer windows, Lampard has done an appreciable job with the resources at his disposal to help the Blues challenge for a Champions League spot.
Goals have not flown easily for the Londoners this season, even though they have netted 45 times in 27 games. Young striker Tammy Abraham started the season on a high, scoring regularly and leading the Chelsea attack with aplomb. He has netted 13 goals in 25 league games, however, the 22-year-old has struggled with injuries of late.
In Abraham’s absence, Michy Batshuayi was handed a start against Manchester United but he failed to deliver the goods. Lampard turned to Olivier Giroud against Tottenham and the Frenchman repaid the manager’s faith by scoring the opening goal. However, Giroud is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether or not he is handed a contract extension.
It is evident Chelsea are facing problems up front and Lampard, after bagging the signature of Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech earlier this month, should prioritise signing a striker in the summer. Having said that, the Blues must do everything possible to poach Mauro Icardi.
Icardi has been a prolific goalscorer in his career ever since he joined Inter Milan from Sampdoria in 2013. The 27-year-old has netted 124 goals in 219 appearances for Inter Milan, with the striker bagging 17 and 29 goals in 2018/19 and 2017/18 Serie A seasons respectively. The Argentina international has enhanced his reputation further with 11 goals in 19 appearances for PSG this season.
Icardi would bring a lot of quality to Lampard’s attack, whilst being the ideal player to compete as well as mentor Abraham. He has proven himself in Europe and is at the right age to make the move to the Premier League. All in all, Chelsea must definitely attempt in getting the Argentinean’s signature.
