'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABf/aAAgBAQAAAAAtf//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQIQAAAAX//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/2gAIAQMQAAAAf//EACIQAAIBAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECBAMRAAUGEjEhIkFRgf/aAAgBAQABPwCNpyeM0ixHnERJClKtnuVsRwNvXn2MPpWNHdqKt20zsFgvj5j/xAAZEQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBBH/2gAIAQIBAT8AOSlxxln/xAAXEQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIh/9oACAEDAQE/ADLM/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Over the years, there have been several instances where players have turned rogue during contract negotiations in a bid to get themselves a better deal or seek a move elsewhere.
Adrien Rabiot is a prime example, with the Frenchman eyeing a move away from Paris. However, in recent weeks, another saga namely the ‘Mauro Icardi Drama’ has taken centre stage.
The Argentine has been at Inter Milan since 2013 and has scored more than a hundred goals for the Nerazzurri. Moreover, his leadership qualities even prompted Inter Milan to hand him the armband.
For several transfer windows, the future of the Argentine has been the subject of speculation yet the forward has committed to the club each time. However, things could be about to change this time around with Inter Milan stripping him of the captaincy and Icardi subsequently refusing to take part in a Europa League game.
The Argentine and his agent’s demeanour while negotiating have left a lot to be desired. But, rather than focussing on a normative assessment at the moment, we should indulge in a positive analysis and short-list the clubs that Icardi could turn out for if he eventually decides to cut ties with Inter Milan.
Here is a look at them:
#3. FC Barcelona
The Spanish side has been in the market for a reliable back-up centre-forward in the past couple of years. Yet, they’ve had to settle for secondary targets as none of their primary ones are willing to play second fiddle to Luis Suarez. However, with Icardi’s hat in the ring, the Blaugrana could be tempted to make a big-money move.
Icardi’s game relies a lot on movement and with the Spanish side boasting of a certain Lionel Messi, his attacking runs won’t go unnoticed.
Moreover, his dogged determination is akin to Suarez with his propensity to press high another string in his bow.
A team player par excellence, Icardi would fit hand in glove at Barcelona. At 25 years of age, the Argentine would also provide the Blaugrana with a long-term striking option.
However, at the moment, it seems that Suarez has at least another top-notch season left in him. Thus, enticing Icardi to adopt a back-up role could prove potentially problematic. In addition, Barcelona have spent a lot of money recently and unless they can ship some of their players, they might not have the funds to make the deal happen.
Yet, on footballing logic, one can’t deny that Icardi would be an ideal signing for Barcelona. But, in reality, the deal could just be a step too far at this juncture.
Also see : Fantasy Premier League , Fantasy Premier League Tips, EPL Transfer News
#2. Real Madrid
In the summer of 2018, Los Blancos sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus. Since then, they have been on the look-out for a marquee signing but nothing has come to fruition.
Thus, Icardi could represent the big-name addition that the Real Madrid faithful are craving. Though Icardi might not be first-choice at the Bernabeu, the prospect of turning out for arguably the biggest club in the world could sway the Argentine’s opinion.
Blessed with an eye for goal, Icardi would be a perfect replacement and secondary option to Benzema. The former is good at linking up with his teammates and is better than the Frenchman aerially.
However, Benzema is enjoying his best season in Spain and shows no sign of letting up. On current form, it would be tough for anyone, let alone Icardi, to displace the Frenchman from the starting line-up.
Yet, over the years, Benzema has shown that he can suddenly drop off a cliff and go through barren spells. Thus, boasting of another top-drawer striker in Icardi would be appealing for Real Madrid.
While it would be in the Blancos’ best interest to bring the Argentine on board, Icardi might personally not favour a peripheral role.
But, with the transfer window, one never knows and we would be naïve to completely rule this transfer out.
#1. Juventus FC
The Italian champions weren’t in the running for Icardi’s signature till a couple of weeks ago. Yet, over the past few days, they have emerged as one of the frontrunners to acquire the forward. And if one delves a little deeper, it makes complete sense for Juventus to bring the Argentine to Turin.
To start off, Icardi has played his entire professional career in Italy and hence, would not encounter teething problems. His style of play is already suited to the Serie A and he has proven to be the scourge of many teams in the past.
Additionally, Juventus’ current forwards bar Dybala are on the wrong side of 30. Though Ronaldo is a phenomenon who gets better with age, Mandzukic has just started to feel the pace a bit this season. Thus, Icardi would be the best possible option to replace the Croatian.
The Argentine is as unselfish a forward as any on the planet and doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves defensively too. His running creates space for his teammates to exploit and Ronaldo, in particular, would fancy playing alongside Icardi.
Hence, Icardi could prove to be pivotal for Juventus as they embark on their mission to claim European supremacy. And with age on his side, the Argentine could carry the baton for the Old Lady in the years to come.
