Arsenal given chance to sign world class striker in Aubameyang swap
Arsenal could be given the chance to sign Mauro Icardi as a direct replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports in Italy.
Icardi is one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, but his relationship with Inter turned sour last year, prompting them to strip him of the captaincy before offloading him on loan to Paris Saint-Germain.
He has continued his prolific scoring record since moving to France, but doubts remain over whether PSG will sign him permanently.
If he is not bought by PSG, it is extremely unlikely that he will be re-integrated into the Inter setup, meaning there could be a scramble for his signature. And according to Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), that could present an opening for Arsenal to make a marquee signing – but it would come with a catch.
The Milanese paper claims that Inter would offer Icardi to Arsenal only if they could get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in return.
Aubameyang is also being linked with a move away from his current club, despite a fearsome reputation for goalscoring – with the Gabon international’s contract expiring at the end of next season.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker may have to be sold to avoid Arsenal losing him on a free transfer – a situation they found themselves in with Aaron Ramsey last year – and a move across London to Chelsea has been suggested.
Manchester United are also interested in keeping him in the Premier League, although they will face competition from mainland Europe, where Inter are heavily linked.
Tuttosport believe that a swap between Aubameyang and Icardi could take place to satisfy both sides, although it remains to be seen just how costly the deals would be.
Inter’s main target remains Liverpool-linked Timo Werner, but the RB Leipzig star is said to have given the green light to a move to Anfield instead, forcing Antonio Conte’s side to look for alternatives.
They are also in the market for Dries Mertens, who is also attracting interest from Chelsea, but Aubameyang remains high on their list of priorities – and sending on Icardi could be the bait that benefits both parties.
The post Arsenal given chance to sign world class striker in Aubameyang swap appeared first on teamtalk.com.