Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United could make a move for PSG ace Mauro Icardi as a replacement for Edinson Cavani
According to transfer news on Calciomercato (h/t The Express), Manchester United could bring in PSG star Mauro Icardi as a replacement for Edinson Cavani.
The Red Devils are facing somewhat of a conundrum going into the January transfer window. We have a lot of attacking talent in the ranks, but some stars could be eyeing an exit next month. Anthony Martial has made it clear that he wishes to leave, with Sevilla also weighing up a potential move for him.
Edinson Cavani has apparently agreed to a deal in principle to join Barcelona in the winter window, while he has also received a very important offer from Corinthians, according to Sport (h/t The Express). Thus, the Old Trafford outfit could be due to bring in some reinforcements.
The Manchester-based club is apparently eyeing a move for PSG ace Mauro Icardi. The Argentinian superstar is said to be unhappy in the French capital and wants to move away from the limelight of Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. Juventus are close to agreeing on a deal for the 28-year-old, but it is thought that Man United could hijack it.
Icardi or Cavani?
Firstly, Man United should try to keep Cavani at the club at all costs. If the player wishes to leave, he could do so once his contract expires in the summer. For now, he is a crucial part of the team, as evidenced by his equalizer against Newcastle United on Monday night.
However, if we are to lose him and Martial, there is a need to bring in reinforcements. Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world but sometimes we need to approach the game differently, while the Portuguese international also needs to be afforded rest.
Fighting on two or three fronts week in and week out can only be done with quality depth. Icardi can certainly provide that. In his 30 months at PSG, the striker has scored on 38 occasions and provided 10 assists in 82 games. He also has leadership qualities, evidenced from when he led Inter Milan brilliantly for nearly four years.
More Manchester United News
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- Transfer News: Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has offered Barcelona the chance to sign him
- Fabrizio Romano provides update on Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic amidst Manchester United interest
Thus, Rangnick initially needs to secure the future of Cavani. If the club fails to do so, transfer targets could be plotted out. But it is important to understand that even without Cavani and Martial, we have Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Jadon Sancho, and Mason Greenwood in the ranks. There is also the young Anthony Elanga, who is on the fringes of first-team action. Thus, a decision on Icardi needs to be taken after evaluating the full strength of the squad.
There is little doubt about his talent and pedigree. He is a lethal player in the final third of the pitch. But we need to address immediate concerns first and it can be argued that the club would be wiser to invest this effort in the central midfield and defensive areas first.
