West Ham have identified Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi as the club’s marquee striker signing this summer, according to a number of reports.
The 23-year-old Argentinian has attracted the interest of Arsenal and is keen on a move to England. According to the Mirror, West Ham are willing to match Icardi’s wage demands and his €35 million release clause which is something the Gunners will not offer at this stage.
The Hammers were believed to be chasing Michy Batshuayi as their number one striker target but have been put off by Marseille demanding such a hefty fee. This is largely because Batshuayi’s former club Standard Liege are still entitled to a proportion of any future transfer money if the striker leaves the French club.
Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette is also on West Ham’s radar but recent comments from Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulus revealed that the club are looking to keep hold of their star striker. Lyon have also secured Champions League football next season so there is an incentive for Lacazette to stay another season.
Icardi is believed to have spoken to fellow Argentinian Manuel Lanzini about a move to the Premier League and the striker is believed to be keen about joining Slaven Bilic’s side at the Olympic Stadium next season.
The Inter striker has scored 38 goals in 69 league games across the past two seasons and is certainly a natural goalscorer. Blessed with fantastic finishing, Icardi is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
Is Icardi a better option than Lacazette and Batshuayi? Comment below
