Lazio cools Icardi hopes as Gattuso eyes new striker

On a bright morning at the Lazio training complex, the echo of a new signing never materialised. Thirty‑three‑year‑old Mauro Icardi, now a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, is still weighing his next step, even though the club advanced a formal proposal only weeks ago.

Lazio's formal interest and Gattuso's plan

Lazio kept the Argentine forward on its radar and even sent a written offer, but head coach Gennaro Gattuso made clear he wants a centre‑forward with greater mobility, physical presence and a willingness to press and help build play. His preferred target, Andrea Pinamonti, arrived from Sassuolo after being specifically requested by the Italian manager.

Pinamonti’s signing, backed by Gattuso, means the striker occupies one of the two Serie A registration slots that opened after the departures of Patric and Luca Pellegrini. Diogo Leite already filled one slot, leaving a single place for a free agent should the club deem it necessary.

Club chairman Claudio Lotito has not shut the door on Icardi, yet the coach’s cautious stance makes the Argentine a secondary option while Pinamonti remains in the manager’s plans.

Icardi weighs alternatives across Europe and South America

Beyond Italy, Greek giants Olympiacos and PAOK Salónica have shown interest, and Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro also appears on the shortlist. In Italy, Parma made a concrete bid: an initial €2.5 million for one season, followed by a two‑year contract offering a €3 million annual salary.

Icardi’s agent Letterio Pino confirmed talks with Lazio but said the camp chose to pause, stressing that money is not the priority. “There was the possibility, it was very kind, but we said let’s wait a moment, let’s stop,” he explained.

Everton was mentioned as another potential destination, and as a free agent Icardi can negotiate outside the normal transfer window, giving him the flexibility to select a project that offers long‑term stability.