Mauro Icardi close to an Italy return as Lazio open talks

Mauro Icardi is reportedly close to a return to Italian football, with Lazio emerging as the leading candidate to sign the 33-year-old striker.

Negotiations intensify

After four seasons at Galatasaray, Icardi became a free agent this summer when his contract with the Turkish club expired. Several clubs have shown interest, but sources say talks with Lazio are the most advanced at this stage.

Icardi left a strong mark during earlier spells in Italy — notably at Sampdoria and Inter, where he served as captain before moving to Paris Saint-Germain — and his experience is seen as a potential asset for the Roman side.

Reports indicate that Gennaro Gattuso is expected to enter the negotiations personally and speak directly with Icardi. After those discussions, Lazio will decide whether the temperamental Argentine will join the squad and don the Lazio shirt.

Lazio enter negotiations from a surprising position near the top of the table with 10 points, despite off-field tensions. The club faces unrest among supporters because of a dispute with president Claudio Lotito, and Gattuso’s coaching record has not convinced everyone that he is capable of achieving major success.

Photo: Galatasaraj Tviter