Mauro Icardi is having his best season to date. European and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid has noticed, and most definitely have him on their radar. The Argentine currently captains one of the most storied clubs in Italian football history in Inter Milan, but another failed season in which the Nerazzurri fall out of the Scudetto race may lead him to seek greener pastures.
Is Mauro Icardi to Real Madrid a Possibility?
Real Madrid’s Struggles
Los Blancos have long been committed to Frenchman Karim Benzema as their primary striker, but his struggles this campaign have shown that it’s time for the club to show him the door. Benzema has always been praised for his ability to hold the ball and build up attacks while in the final third, but a striker’s main duty is simply to score goals, something Benzema has failed to do thus far. In a combined 14 appearances in both La Liga Santander and in the UEFA Champions League, the striker has only found the back of the net a total of four times. Icardi, on the other hand, has racked up an impressive 18 goals in 20 appearances in Italy’s Serie A.
Real Madrid have had somewhat of a disastrous season thus far. The idea of lifting the league trophy is no longer conceivable, as they currently sit 16 points behind leaders FC Barcelona. They have played decently in the Champions League, but have a tough match-up versus Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming Round of 16. Besides Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo has also struggled with form this season while Gareth Bale has struggled with injury. There’s no denying that the team needs to reinforce its front line to remain competitive. Rivals Barcelona have made a major move in acquiring Phillipe Coutinho from Liverpool, and Real Madrid will have to respond. Icardi fits the profile of a ‘Galáticos’ signing and would go well with the current roster.
Likelihood of an Icardi Transfer
Striker will likely be Real Madrid’s main focus once they decide to spend. The defence has been exposed on various occasions this season, but it remains difficult to see who can realistically be brought in to take a current starter’s place. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas may be replaced, but the position doesn’t attract as much interest as a striker does. The midfield remains arguably the top in football, so if any signings are made they will solely be depth options. Ronaldo will not lose his starting place, but rumours continue to persist on Bale’s departure. If this were to happen, the club already has a suitable replacement in Marco Asensio. Knowing Real Madrid’s history, they will more than likely spend on a replacement, but options on the team already exist. Benzema looks to be the most obvious departure, and Icardi might just be the best realistic striker option.
Icardi claimed in early December that he has no plans to leave Inter, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. Although a noble statement to make, footballers rarely shy away when Real Madrid comes knocking. At the time, Inter were dominating Serie A, but they have fallen short recently. Their chances of winning the league have dwindled, and now their primary focus is to qualify for Champions League. The club is currently sitting in third place, but have both Lazio and Roma right on their tail. To make matters worse, Inter have been eliminated from the Coppa Italia by the hands of their bitter rivals AC Milan. If Inter’s downfall continues, it will be difficult for Icardi to find a reason to stay put.
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