Lazio are reportedly serious about signing former Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi, who is currently available as a free agent.
Lazio Still Searching for a Striker
The Biancocelesti are preparing to play their first competitive match of the season, as they host Mantova on Sunday in the opening round of the Coppa Italia. However, Gennaro Gattuso still hasn’t got the striker he had asked for since the start of the summer. In recent weeks, Lazio made several attempts on various fronts, but they haven’t found any joy thus far.
Mauro Icardi Emerges as Lazio Target
Earlier this week, reports in the Italian media suggested that Icardi could be an option. In his press conference on Friday, Gattuso didn’t deny the club’s interest in the player, instead heaped praise on the Argentine bomber.
Lazio Urging Icardi to Return to Serie A
According to Sky Sport Italia correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio, Lazio have accelerated their attempts to recruit a new centre-forward after finalizing Davide Frattesi’s transfer from Inter, and they’re working on Icardi on a daily basis. The former Sampdoria and Paris-Saint-Germain star is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract with Galatasaray at the end of the previous campaign.
Icardi’s Current Stance
Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani realize that the 33-year-old’s priority is to sign for an elite club, or at least one that offers him the chance to play in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the player has only received two concrete offers thus far: The first from Olympiakos, which he already rejected, and the second from Mexico.
Andrea Pinamonti is the Other Option for Lazio
Di Marzio adds that Lazio have trimmed down their striker search to two options. While Icardi appears to be the top target, the alternative remains Andrea Pinamonti, who is reportedly willing to make the jump from Sassuolo should he receive the call. The 27-year-old’s contract with the Neroverdi will expire next year, and he would certainly command a lower salary compared with the Argentine.