Icardi Pleads With Lazio to Sign Him as Lotito’s Stance Revealed | OneFootball

Argentine centre-forward Mauro Icardi is reportedly hell-bent on joining Lazio, whom he considers his favourite destination.

The Background

After ending his four-year spell with Galatasaray, the 33-year-old is now a free agent, so he has had the opportunity to bide his time and carefully examine his options, since he can still join a new club on a free transfer at any point during the season.

Mauro Icardi Keen on Lazio Move

According to Il Messaggero, Icardi has now made up his mind, deciding that Lazio is his most appealing suitor. The source mentions interest from Parma, Elche, Monterrey and Olympiacos, but none of these reported suitors compares to the Biancocelesti in terms of appeal. However, the move remains far from guaranteed, as the decision-makers at Formello aren’t all on the same page.

Gattuso & Fabiani Unconvinced

Over the past few days, Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso has been resisting Icardi’s arrival, as he fears it could upset the squad’s balance and the harmony in the dressing room. Sporting director Angelo Fabiani was thought to be the main advocate behind the Argentine’s pursuit, but the Roman newspaper believes the latter agrees with Gattuso’s stance.

Lotito Wants Icardi at Lazio

Interestingly, the source claims club president Claudio Lotito is Icardi’s main sponsor at Lazio. The Italian senator would like to make the former Inter Milan captain his marquee signing to round off a positive summer transfer campaign.

Mauro Icardi (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The report suggests the 69-year-old might be trying to win himself some credit with the fanbase, but notes that this move is unlikely to end the supporters’ protest against the unpopular owner. In any case, crucial talks are expected to take place at Formello today to reach a unified stance on the matter and decide whether to present the striker with an offer or close the chapter.

Difficult Path?

Il Corriere dello Sport insists Icardi is unlikely to join Lazio, mainly due to Gattuso’s rejection. The 48-year-old manager already had a decisive say in other transfer decisions: He urged the club to keep Matteo Cancellieri and pushed for Andrea Pinamonti, whom he still believes in, hence why he isn’t keen to bring in another centre-forward.