Report: Napoli looking to sign Inter's Icardi for €40M
Napoli is working quickly to replace outgoing striker Gonzalo Higuain, meeting with Inter Milan officials in Verona to discuss a possible €40-million move for fellow Argentine Mauro Icardi, according to Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsch, who cites a report from colleagues in Italy.
With Juventus reportedly set to activate Higuain's €94.7-million release clause after conducting a medical with the player in Madrid, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is apparently looking to refinance the proceeds immediately. Icardi's at the top of that wish list, although it may require a bid in the region of €55 million to pry him away from a direct rival.
The player's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, seemed to confirm the meeting on Twitter:
Meeting is with an intermediary. I am in my office in Milan, kisses. :) "
— Wanda_Icardi (@wandaicardi) July 24, 2016
Napoli is prepared to increase Icardi's wages to at least €5 million, with both parties discussing a potential €90-million release clause, according to Sky Sport Italia's leading reporter, Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Partenopei are also said to be monitoring AC Milan's Carlos Bacca, but a €20-million offer, including midfielder Omar El Kaddouri, was duly rejected by the Rossoneri.
Icardi led Inter in Serie A scoring last season with 16 goals - the only player to reach double digits with the club. Despite an apparent feud with manager Roberto Mancini - who wasn't afraid to drop the controversial 23-year-old at various points of the campaign - the goals didn't dry up.
He was Serie A's top scorer the previous season, tying veteran Luca Toni with 22 strikes.