Lazio Abandon Plans for Free Agent Wanted by Everton & Spurs

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The Laziali

·16 September 2026

Lazio Abandon Plans for Free Agent Wanted by Everton & Spurs

Lazio have reportedly opted against pursuing Mauro Icardi, who might end up signing for a Premier League club.

Mauro Icardi Wanted Lazio Move

Although the transfer market has closed in Europe, clubs are still able to recruit free agents. So after leaving Galatasaray in June, Icardi has been taking his time to reflect on his options. Recent reports claimed that the Argentine identified Lazio as his preferred destination, offering his services to the Italian capital club.

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Mauro Icardi (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

It was also reported that Lazio president Claudio Lotito was the one pushing for the 33-year-old’s arrival, while sporting director Angelo Fabiani and head coach Gennaro Gattuso weren’t too convinced by the idea.

Why Lazio Decided Not to Sign Icardi

During his appearance on Radio Laziale (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Sky Sport Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini revealed that the Biancocelesti have chosen to abandon the pursuit of Icardi after internal discussions due to sporting, financial, and even disciplinary reasons related to the player’s past (particularly at Inter Milan).

I don’t see any chance of Mauro Icardi wearing the Lazio shirt. I think the situation is over: Lazio has decided not to proceed. The player had expressed his willingness to start negotiations with Lazio to finalize the transfer. From what I understand, the parties were close. The increased labor costs have slowed Lazio down, and Gattuso’s considerations also impeded the deal. Signing a contract as important as Icardi’s could be problematic in view of the January transfer window. Lazio could have offered a one-year contract with an easy option to extend it for a second. And Icardi was fine with that. Gattuso, however, needs something else for his game. With Pinamonti and Noslin, he doesn’t want to overload the attack. Added to this is Icardi’s past, even though from what I’m told he’s a mature player today.

Spurs & Everton Interested in Icardi

On a related note, Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina reported on Wednesday that Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are both tracking Icardi.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs have yet to score a league goal after four Premier League rounds. As for the Toffees, they desperately need another centre-forward after sending Beto to Fiorentina while Folarin Balogun’s deadline-day transfer collapsed due to a failed medical.