Serie A clubs Lazio and Fiorentina show interest in free agent Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi remains without a club as the summer transfer window enters its final days, with two Serie A sides reportedly exploring a move for the 33-year-old Argentine striker. After leaving Galatasaray on June 30, Icardi has been training independently and is now based in Italy with his partner, actress and singer María Eugenia Suárez.

Lazio and Fiorentina have emerged as the leading candidates to sign the former Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. Both clubs are looking to strengthen their attacking options before the Italian transfer window closes on September 1.

Icardi’s contract situation

The Rosario-born striker ended his three-year spell at Galatasaray after declining a renewal offer that reportedly included a 50% salary reduction. During his time in Istanbul, Icardi scored 77 goals and provided 25 assists in 134 appearances, winning six trophies with the Turkish club.

As a free agent, Icardi is not bound by the standard transfer window restrictions in the same way as a player under contract. However, for him to be registered for Serie A matches or European competitions, any deal would need to be completed before the official deadline, when clubs must submit their squad lists.

Lazio’s offer and financial gap

Lazio are reported to have made the most concrete approach, offering Icardi an annual salary of around €2.5 million. Multiple sources, including Fanatik and Fabrizio Romano, indicate that this figure is below what Icardi is seeking. The financial terms remain the main obstacle in negotiations with the Rome-based club.

Manager Marco Baroni’s side are looking to add a proven goalscorer to their squad after a quiet start to the window. Icardi’s experience in Serie A, where he previously scored 111 goals in 188 appearances for Inter Milan, makes him an attractive option.

Fiorentina as an alternative

Fiorentina have also entered the picture, with the club seeking a replacement for Moise Kean, who is reportedly close to joining Como. The Viola’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, has a long-standing interest in Icardi, having previously tried to sign him for Juventus.

The Florence-based club recently added Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono to their squad, and Icardi would join compatriot Mateo Pellegrino in the attacking department. Sport Italia reported that Paratici is a strong admirer of Icardi’s abilities and sees him as a potential fit for the team’s style of play.

Icardi’s preference for Champions League football

According to Fanatik, Icardi’s priority is to join a European club that can offer Champions League football or at least top-level competition. Neither Lazio nor Fiorentina qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League, which could complicate any potential deal.

The striker is believed to be training independently to maintain match fitness while he evaluates his options. With the Italian transfer window closing in just over a week, both clubs face pressure to reach an agreement quickly if they want to secure his signature.

What this means for Icardi and the clubs

For Icardi, this represents a chance to return to a league where he previously established himself as one of the most prolific scorers. His time at Inter Milan from 2013 to 2020 saw him win the Capocannoniere award twice and establish a reputation as a clinical finisher.

For Lazio and Fiorentina, signing a free agent of Icardi’s calibre would be a significant statement of intent. Both clubs are aiming to improve on their Serie A positions from last season and could benefit from adding a striker with his experience and goal-scoring record.

The coming days will determine whether either club can bridge the financial gap and convince Icardi that their project aligns with his ambitions.

Source: Ole – “Los dos clubes italianos que van por Mauro Icardi y ¿hasta cuándo lo pueden fichar?” – https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/mauro-icardi-clubes-pretenden-fichaje-italia-serie-argentino-dupla-ataque-cierra-mercado_0_cyUh6pXJn1.html