Arsenal's search for a striker has stumbled after Frank de Boer – Inter Milan's new manager – confirmed that the club are doing everything they can to keep hold of their star and captain. The 23-year-old's agent - who also happens to be his wife - had flown down to London a few weeks ago to meet officials of Arsenal.
But the new manager is adamant that the Argentine is not going anywhere and that he'd stay in the club this summer. “We’ll keep every player we don’t want to sell,” de Boer said.
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“Icardi is very important for me and he’ll stay. He’s young, he can learn a lot, but he’s already proved himself to be fantastic. We can work very well together, there won’t be any problems," he added.
Arsenal, Napoli, and Chelsea are all interested in signing the £50 million-rated forward this summer with his agent also confirming that the future might not be in Milan. The Gunners, especially, are ready to heavily invest in a forward given they have only one senior striker in Olivier Giroud. Daniel Welbeck's long-term injury means he'll be back for Arsene Wenger only in February.
While Arsenal might need a striker, Chelsea are in the hunt given they're unsure whether Diego Costa will stay at the club. The Brazilian-born Spanish international is reportedly ready to leave the club and get back to Atletico Madrid but Diego Simeone's team have already invested in Kevin Gameiro and are unlikely to sign the striker.
Napoli, meanwhile, sold Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus earlier this month and are adamant to replace the outgoing Argentine with his compatriot given they have the necessary funds to make the transfer possible.
Real Madrid were also said to be interested in signing Icardi earlier this summer but having triggered the buy-back clause in Alvaro Morata's contract, they're likely to stick with the guns they have leaving the ball completely in Inter's court.
The 23-year-old scored 16 goals in 33 appearances for the Milanese club last season while assisting a further four more. Given his age and his prime finishing ability, Icardi is one to watch out for in the immediate future.
