The Chief Contenders to Sign Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan's Maligned Star Striker
Ever since Antonio Conte arrived at Inter Milan as its new manager, it has been abundantly clear that Mauro Icardi has no future at the club.
However, as we often see with players of this magnitude, signing him is easier said than done. With the delay in negotiations, a number of sides have been given the chance to involve themselves, since strikers of Icardi's pedigree don't hit the market all too often.
So, when all is said and done, where might he end up? Let's take a look at the chief options, with Serie A's transfer window open until Friday, the Premier League's already shut and the Bundesliga, La Liga and Ligue 1 open for business until Sept. 2.
Inter
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Could Icardi actually remain with Inter?
It seems like that's what the Argentine actually wants to do. He took to Instagram to reveal that he is currently in the process of building a new house in Milan, describing the city as 'home'. Does that seem like the move of a man who plans on leaving?
Unfortunately for Icardi, it looks like Conte wants rid of him as soon as possible. Once you cross the boss, there's not usually any coming back.
Likelihood rating: 1/10
AC Milan
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If remaining in Milan is key for Icardi, then a move to cross-town rival AC Milan might be the only option.
A recent report from Il Giornale suggests that the Rossoneri are ready to take advantage of his wish to remain in the city by trying to strike a deal for Icardi. However, a deal would certainly not be easy.
Firstly, Icardi would have to be prepared to deal with the fan uproar if he made the move, and Inter would have to be willing to strengthen its fiercest rival. Don't say never, but surely this would have to be the last resort for Inter.
Likelihood rating: 3/10
Monaco
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With Icardi's future up in the air, Monaco was touted as a potential landing spot for the controversial Argentine.
The Ligue 1 side is looking to bounce back from an utterly shambolic season, and a move for Icardi would certainly help that cause. Unfortunately, Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, recently insisted that Icardi won't be going to Monaco. Well then.
It seems Monaco knows that, because it has brought in Leicester City's Islam Slimani on loan. A move for Icardi could still resurface if the right offer arrives, but Monaco fans shouldn't get their hopes up.
Likelihood rating: 3/10
Roma
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Now we're onto the serious contenders. With fears that 33-year-old Edin Dzeko can't go on forever, it is thought that Roma is incredibly keen on recruiting Icardi.
The club may have tied Dzeko down to a new contract, but that doesn't mean the Icardi pursuit is over. Roma has been trying to thrash out a deal all summer, but Inter's asking price is thought to have proven problematic.
As the window nears its end, Inter may be forced to accept a lower bid for their striker, but that's only if another side doesn't come in with an acceptable offer beforehand.
Likelihood rating: 6/10
Napoli
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Like Roma, Napoli is incredibly keen on Icardi, who has proven to be one of the Serie A's most reliable marksman. In their pursuit of the Scudetto, someone like him could be the missing link.
It seems like club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is well aware of that and is prepared to spend big on Icardi to partner him with Dries Mertens and imminent signing Hirving Lozano in the attack - not least because it would stop Icardi from joining Juventus.
Unfortunately for Napoli, it looks like Icardi has his heart set on a move to Turin. However, if an offer from Juventus doesn't arrive, the Partenopei would likely be in the driver's seat
Likelihood rating: 7/10
Juventus
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It's no secret that Icardi is keen on moving to the league champions, and the feeling appears mutual as Juventus have long been interested in acquiring the Argentine. Those two factors make the Allianz Stadium a likely destination for Icardi.
Having missed out on Lukaku, who took Icardi's place at Inter, Juventus's only real option appears to be the 26-year-old, and Juventus doesn't often take no for an answer when it comes to transfers.
The only thing which might scupper this move is Inter's insistence that Icardi will never play for Juventus. There's even talk of an 'anti-Juventus alliance' being formed by a number of Serie A sides to prevent that from happening, but Inter may ultimately have no choice but to do business with Italy's dominant force.
Likelihood rating: 9/10
