Inter’s Mauro Icardi Still Being Linked to Tottenham
Tottenham have signed one forward in Vincent Janssen, and a second one would be ideal, but Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi isn’t a good financial investment.
Recently, Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara, had publicly stated that the 23-year-old was up for sale before Inter Milan quickly refused her claims.
This situation is tricky to figure out because it’s a bunch of hearsay, but in any event, Tottenham are still linked to the forward even after signing Vincent Janssen yesterday for £17 million from AZ Alkmaar.
Related Story: Dissecting the Icardi-to-Tottenham Rumor
What sparked this “transfer rumor” for Icardi’s services was Nara (the Argentine’s agent since October 2015) speaking to CalcioMercato, that multiple clubs were interested after Inter supposedly put the striker up for sale.
"“From what I can see, Inter have put Icardi up for sale,” Nara said (via London Evening Standard).“There are many clubs interested. We will evaluate the situation with all due respect for everyone.”“Mauro would be very sad to leave Inter, but we’ve understood the club’s economic situation and evidently they cannot hold Icardi back.”“There is no release clause in his contract and we hope Inter won’t ask for a sum that is outside the market value, but rather suited to his contract.”"
This conversation happened three days ago before Inter intervened, but since the club did, Nara seems to have reversed course. Because here’s what she said now:
"“We want to stay in Milan. People say I am a mercenary, but I am not. [Inter] have to say the truth. They can’t say Icardi is not for sale and then talk to other clubs.” Wanda Nara stated (via London Evening Standard).“I’ve asked for a renewal because the club had promised me a renewal.”Last year we accepted their conditions, which means a lower salary, the sale of 50 percent of Mauro’s economic rights and there is no release clause on his contract.”“They have to keep their promises.”“There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations.”“Atlético Madrid, Tottenham and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.”"
With Mauro Icardi scoring 16 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, it’s not surprising that he has plenty of suitors. Now whether Tottenham are seriously in the hunt for the 23-year-old should be taken with a bag of salt.
Hotspur HQ’s Ryan Wrenn, who dissected this rumor initially started by Gianluca Di Marzio, was quick to point out that this contradicts Tottenham’s new stance when it comes to dealing with transfer signings:
They no longer do business with expensive fees.
Currently, Inter are valuing the Argentine international at €45 million (£38 million) which is beyond what Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy wanted to pay for Michy Batshuayi who recently joined Chelsea for £33 million.
Since Pochettino joined Spurs two years ago in May 2014, he has gone about transforming the club’s view when it comes to the transfer market and who to target.
More from Tottenham Transfer Rumours
- Tottenham’s Pierre Hojbjerg to Manchester United transfer rumour
- Tottenham transfer window state of the union
- Tottenham Hotspur sends two players out on loan
- Tottenham’s striker search continues: Brennan Johnson update
- Tottenham’s pursuit of a 21-year-old Gift heats ups
Gone are the days of expensive players being signed to quickly make an impact but destroy Tottenham’s wage structure in the process.
Nowadays, it’s about being patient and finding the right deals to give Pochettino multiple signings to bolster enough positions throughout the entire squad (the starting XI and bench), rather than grabbing one or two impact players and not much else.
It has worked wonders since the summer of 2014 and will continue throughout the Argentine’s managerial days with the north London club.
Even though Mauro Icardi’s career has been very good, which includes being named Inter’s captain, his price is not within Tottenham’s price range.
Despite the oodles of money that will be given to all 20 Premier League clubs, and the bonus of Champions League football, Spurs can’t waste all of this money so soon and on one player no less.
Signing players like Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer is the best way to go about improving this squad rather than big-named players that go over the £25 million threshold.
Next: Hull City Monitoring Totenham's Ryan Mason
For the time being, while Tottenham’s name has been linked with Mauro Icardi, there isn’t much going on with this transfer rumor.
It’s easy to dismiss this because Mauricio Pochettino’s most expensive signing in his tenure was Son Heung-Min last summer for £22 million. A price that hasn’t worked out because of Son’s foot injury, adapting to the Premier League and Alli being much better at central attacking midfielder, thus relegating him to a substitution role.
If Icardi’s value falls to a reasonably price — which is impossible — then maybe Spurs could consider him an option.