Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring for Inter Milan. (Getty Images)
As per Tuttosport (h/t Football.london), Inter Milan could offer Mauro Icardi to Arsenal as a part of the deal to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer.
Icardi, 27, came through the ranks of UD Vecindario and joined Barcelona’s U17 side in 2018. However, after failing to make the cut in Spain, he moved to Italy with Sampdoria. He was signed by Inter Milan two years later and since then, he has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe.
He was also voted the best player in Italy in 2018. Last summer, he moved on loan to France with Paris Saint-Germain and has been impressive. His performances also garnered attention from Chelsea, who were interested in signing him in January, as per the report.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign so far. A string of poor performances earlier in the campaign saw Unai Emery get sacked. The arrival of Mikel Arteta has brought some positivity into the squad.
They haven’t lost a single league game since New Year, their inconsistency has been highlighted throughout the season.
Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been the only player with a good run of form, scoring 17 goals in the league. Apart from him, no one has shown consistency. One of the major reasons for their downfall is the lack of quality at the back.
And it is clear that Arteta should bring in defensive reinforcements to the squad if they are to do better. They need to be equally strong in every area on the pitch and despite the crisis, the Gunners should improve the squad.
Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are the two established strikers available at the manager’s disposal. Apart from them, Arsenal have two youngsters in Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli.
While the Gabonese international has been in sensational form, Lacazette has seen a slight dip in his game and has not been at his best. However, with Aubameyang’s future uncertain at the club, it would be good if the Gunners accepted the offer of Icardi from Inter Milan.
The Argentine international has crossed the double-figure mark in 7 of his last 8 league campaigns. He is one of the most reliable goal scorers and could be a perfect fit for the Gunners. He has already succeeded in Italy and also has the potential to shine elsewhere.
Despite featuring in fewer games for PSG on loan this term, Icardi has already racked up 20 goals across all competitions. His inclusion would definitely bring healthy competition to Arteta’s squad and he could be their leader in the attack if he is able to reproduce his previous form.
At 27, Icardi still has a few more years to excel at the highest level. At the same time, Arsenal would be left without depth in the squad if Aubameyang leaves in the summer. Thus, they should make a move for the Argentine international, who could get them the goals.
