Paris Saint-Germain could reportedly sell up to 10 players this summer in order to balance the books after completing the blockbuster signing of Lionel Messi. Mauro Icardi is understood to be among those players that could leave the Parisian club in the ongoing transfer window.
With the arrival of Lionel Messi, 34, on a free transfer from Barcelona, the salary expenditure would surpass €300 million with the Argentinean international’s contract expected to be €40 million net. Paris Saint-Germain chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has to balance the books and is already looking at potential player sales.
According to The Athletic (h/t Sport), Icardi’s time at the Parc des Princes could be up this summer, as he is on the club’s chopping block after the historic acquisition of Messi.
Mauro Icardi, 28, initially arrived on a season-long loan at Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in the summer of 2019. After a solid debut season where he helped the club win the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue, whilst reaching the Champions League final, PSG signed him permanently in 2020.
The Argentinean international endured an injury-hit last season, playing just 20 times in Ligue 1. With PSG open to getting Mauro Icardi off the books now, here are three Premier League clubs who must target him.
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Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are fighting tooth and nail to hold onto star striker Harry Kane, amid interest from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s City splashed a British record £100m last week to sign Jack Grealish and could go all out for Kane too, with the Mancunian club clearly set on sustaining their success for the long term. Should the England skipper leave in the final weeks of the transfer window, Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have to replace him at any cost.
Getting Mauro Icardi, as a result, would really help Spurs up front. Due to his heading ability and presence in the box, Icardi will certainly suit Nuno’s playing style at Tottenham. So, it’ll hardly be surprising if the north London club launch the offensive for the Argentinean striker.
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Liverpool
Liverpool struggled for goals last season, with the trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino uncharacteristically misfiring. They combined to score 42 league goals, with Firmino netting the least with just nine in 36 games.
Firmino has never been a prolific goalscorer but his ability to link up play, smart movement and spatial awareness make him a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s system at Liverpool. And while the Brazilian has shown signs of getting his scoring mojo back in the pre-season friendlies, the Reds could certainly do well with a bonafide goalscorer to compete with the Manchester clubs for the Premier League title.
That being said, a move for Mauro Icardi would be ideal. Icardi is lethal in front of goal, and his ability to link up the play will also be hugely beneficial as players like Mane and Salah will really be able to prosper with the help of the Argentinean’s neat hold-up play. All in all, the 28-year-old would certainly be a top addition at Anfield.
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Manchester City
It’s an open secret that Manchester City want to sign Tottenham ace Harry Kane as a replacement for Sergio Aguero. However, negotiating with Spurs for Kane has proven to be difficult for City with manager Pep Guardiola airing his frustration in a press conference.
With the situation continuing to drag on with Spurs chief Daniel Levy clearly reluctant to sell his star man to Spurs’ direct Premier League rival, City shifting their attention to Mauro Icardi won’t be a bad idea.
At the age of 28, Icardi is currently at the peak of his powers and has a stellar record in Europe, with 169 goals in 316 matches. The Argentinean’s qualities in and around the box will be perfect for City, who have creative talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez on offer.
That all points towards Icardi adding a lot of value to Guardiola’s Sky Blues, making them an ideal destination for the striker deemed surplus to requirements at PSG.
