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What's the story?
According to Calcio Mercato, Los Blancos have come to an agreement with Inter Milan for the transfer of Mauro Icardi. He is contracted to the club until 2021, so it would require a big fee to prise him away. However, money isn't an issue for the European champions.
The 24-year-old has been in blistering form this season with 16 goals in 15 league games. Inter's attack is built around him. Losing him would be a huge blow especially considering they have a real chance of winning Serie A this season.
There is a lot of confusion over his contract situation with some reports stating that he has a €110 million release clause while others state that €92 million could be enough to secure his services. While some Italian media outlets claim that Inter will offer him a contract extension with a bigger release clause. Regardless, Real are clearly interested in him.
In case you didn't know...
Icardi had issues with the Inter ultras last season, and it appears as if that rift hasn't healed. This may be a potential reason why the rumours are circulating as well as why he could decide to move even though Inter have a promising future ahead of them with Luciano Spalletti at the helm.
The talented Argentinian striker has been linked with multiple clubs in Europe over the past few seasons, but he has remained loyal to the Nerazzurri.
The heart of the matter
Real are having serious offensive issues this season and it appears as if Zinedine Zidane has run out of patience with Karim Benzema. The French striker has been blamed as the source of these issues by fans due to the chances he has missed in key games.
This move would be ideal for both parties because Icardi could save his energy for key moments. Real have one of the best midfields in world football which allows them to control games and this means that the creative players can play with freedom in the final third.
Icardi's movement off the ball is smart as he often finds space in dangerous areas, which combined with his clinical finishing makes him a deadly attacking threat. He and Ronaldo could provide a dual goalscoring threat while Isco helps create overloads in the final third to provide space for them.
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Author's take
He would be an amazing addition especially as Cristiano Ronaldo declines, and he would be a good replacement for Benzema. However, a January move is unlikely to happen as he could finally be winning a trophy with Inter this season. This is likely to be a summer move in order for Real to show some intent for the upcoming season.
This would give Los Blancos a marquee name to add to their recruitment of Spanish talent which was geared towards the future. They are building a squad brimming with stars such as Isco, Marco Asensio and Mateo Kova?i? and Icardi would be the final piece of the puzzle.
