According to reports from The Independent, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi.
After finishing last season as Serie A’s top scorer with 22 goals in 36 appearances, a number of Premier League sides targeted the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window, most particularly Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. In fact, The Independent claim the Gunners saw a £32million bid rejected by the San Siro outfit.
The Argentina international signed a four-year contract extension in June and accepting the Nerazzurri armband two months later, seemingly ending the chances of a Premier League move.
But the 5 foot 11 striker has struggled to find his scoring touch this season, netting just four times across all competitions thus far, and rumours of an abrupt departure have resultantly resurfaced over the last few months.
Indeed, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with Icardi in recent weeks with all three clubs expected to be on the lookout for added firepower in the January transfer window.
Chelsea could terminate Radamel Falcao’s season-long loan in the new year and will need to source an adequate replacement, Divock Origi has been the only fully fit striker at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal since taking the Anfield helm last month and a recent injury to Theo Walcott has highlighted the Gunners’ limited depth up top.
Icardi represents a promising long-term addition and according to The Independent, who cite reports from the Italian media, Arsenal are hoping to beat their Premier League rivals to the South American’s signature with a bid in the coming transfer window.
However, reports from the weekend suggest Inter Milan will knock back any approaches for their star striker.