Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United interested in PSG ace Mauro Icardi
According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Teamtalk), Manchester United are keeping tabs on Mauro Icardi as a long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani, who could secure a transfer away from the club.
Cavani joined United on deadline day last summer and has largely done a good job when called upon. His current deal expires at the end of the season and there is speculation regarding his future at the club.
The Red Devils are in need of a new striker and are in the market for one. Erling Haaland stands out as a clear choice but could well cost us a king’s ransom to land.
One of the alternatives appears to be PSG ace Mauro Icardi. The Argentine was an undisputed star at Inter Milan but has fallen down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes.
He is currently out of favour and has even played second fiddle to Everton loanee Moises Kean at times. Icardi has registered seven goals and six assists in 19 games this season, a fairly good return. (h/t Transfermarkt)
A proven goalscorer, the 28-year-old is in his prime. He has often shown the ability to compete at the top and could do with a new challenge. Importantly for United, he could be available for anything between €30m and €40m.
A shrewd move?
It represents good value for a player who has a habit for finding the goal, something United is lacking upfront at this point in time. Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood have both been far from clinical, leaving the onus to score on Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
PSG, for their part, are unlikely to block Icardi’s exit. Selling him will ensure they get the funds to sign Kean permanently. Whether United will make a serious punt to land him remains to be seen.
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Icardi is clearly a talented player and could prove to be a shrewd signing. The player, however, is infamous for his off the field antics which may prove to be a distraction.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is mindful of players’ characters and also recently stressed the need for loyalty. Whether the Norwegian is willing to fall over his own sword to land Icardi remains to be seen.
