Lazio & Icardi Hold Fresh Talks as Gattuso Softens His Stance | OneFootball

Lazio are reportedly making a fresh attempt to sign Argentine striker Mauro Icardi on a free transfer in the coming days.

Mauro Icardi Available as a Free Agent

The 33-year-old ended a four-year spell at Galatasaray at the end of the previous campaign, and he decided to bide his time before committing to a new project. The player’s agent confirmed talks with Lazio, while insisting that the player’s priority isn’t money but finding the right project along with a city that suits his lifestyle.

Lazio Renew Talks With Icardi

Over the past few days, it has been reported that Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani has been pushing for the move, whereas Gennaro Gattuso is reluctant to add a new player to his squad after the positive start of the season, as he continues to back Andrea Pinamonti to prove his worth.

But according to Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina, the Lazio head coach has now adopted a more lenient approach, possibly opening the door for Icardi’s arrival. The source adds that the two parties are currently engaged in direct talks, but the player’s salary requests remain too high for the Biancocelesti, who are trying to bridge the gap.

Icardi Open to Joining Lazio

Sky Sport Italia reporter Manuele Baiocchini (via Gianlucadimarzio.com) also confirmed Lazio have recently resumed negotiations with the former Inter Milan captain, who is now more open to joining the Aquile than he was a few weeks ago.

Mauro Icardi (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The source notes that the club’s management is having internal talks with Gattuso on Monday and Tuesday before making a final decision on the matter.

Icardi’s Serie A Stats

Icardi spent eight seasons in Serie A between Sampdoria and Inter. He made 219 appearances in the Italian top flight, scoring 121 goals in the process and providing his teammates with 31 assists.