Lazio race to sign Icardi before September deadline

Mauro Icardi has been released from Galatasaray, Reuters reports, leaving the 33‑year‑old Argentine striker free to choose his next club as the summer transfer window nears its September 1 deadline, with Serie A side Lazio emerging as the leading suitor.

Lazio's urgent pursuit

Lazio have a clear need for a striker after a 2‑0 defeat to Mantova in the Serie B round of the Copa Italia. The loss left the tifosi disgruntled and highlighted the shortage of a proven goal‑scorer. Club officials have already begun talks with Icardi’s representatives. The club hopes to resolve the issue before the transfer window closes.

Negotiations are underway between Lazio’s hierarchy and Icardi’s agents. The club is prepared to meet the player’s reported demand of five million euros per year, a figure cited by the press. Icardi has not publicly rejected any official proposal, according to the reports.

Other interested clubs

Beyond Lazio, several clubs have been linked to the free agent. Italian side Como, coached by Nico Paz, is said to be monitoring the situation. Spain’s Rayo Vallecano and Brazil’s São Paulo (San Pablo) have also been mentioned. There are rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia, though none have been confirmed.

Lazio aim to finalise the deal before the transfer window closes on 1 September, preferring Icardi over the backup option of Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo. The urgency is driven by the desire to avoid waiting for the window’s closure and to secure a forward before the new season begins.

Icardi’s appeal to Italy

Icardi, 33, has publicly expressed a wish to return to live in Italy. This sentiment aligns with Lazio’s coach Gennaro Gattuso, who previously led the Italian national team in the unsuccessful bid for World Cup 2026 qualification. La squad already features three area forwards – Senegalese Boulaye Dia, Serbian Ratkov and Dutch striker Tijjani Noslin – but none match Icardi’s scoring pedigree. En Italia, the prospect of his return has generated excitement.

During his career, Icardi scored 11 goals in 33 matches for Sampdoria. He amassed 124 goals in 219 appearances for Inter, becoming Serie A’s top scorer twice with the Nerazzurri, albeit without winning titles. At Galatasaray he netted 77 times in 134 games, helping the Turkish side win the league four times and claim two cup trophies before ending his spell in Turkey.

With negotiations reportedly ongoing, Lazio hope to announce the signing before the 1 September deadline, aiming to bolster their attack ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign. The club’s board remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached swiftly.