Everton are reportedly considering a move for former Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after his departure from Galatasaray at the end of last season.
Despite Everton making a positive start to the campaign, the club came under heavy criticism for concluding the summer transfer window with only one recognised striker, right-back and left-back available among David Moyes’ senior options.
The Toffees could therefore turn to the free-agent market in an effort to add depth to Moyes’ centre-forward department, with former Argentina international Mauro Icardi emerging as a potential option.
Beto’s late move to Fiorentina left Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only recognised striker.
However, that situation could potentially change if Icardi is brought in to provide competition and support for Barry.
Latest update on Everton and Mauro Icardi rumours
Reports from Argentina earlier this week claimed that Icardi had been offered to Everton as the Rosario-born forward searches for his next club.
Having scored more than 260 senior goals throughout his career, Icardi would certainly bring plenty of experience to the Everton attack.
Former DAZN and Marca journalist Christian Vaquero reported on September 8 that although no discussions have yet taken place between Everton and Icardi, the Blues “could initiate contacts in the coming days”.
Everton named just 19 players in their 25-man Premier League squad last week, highlighting the shortcomings of their summer transfer business.
Even if their late move for Folarin Balogun had not fallen through, the Toffees would still have been lacking depth across several positions, leaving Moyes with the smallest squad in the division.
That said, Everton should not necessarily rush into a move for Icardi simply because he is available.
Why Everton’s Icardi links may not be as straightforward as they appear
There is no questioning Icardi’s ability in front of goal. The experienced striker has consistently found the net throughout his career at the highest level and still managed a respectable return of 16 goals for Galatasaray last season.
However, there has so far been little indication from British sources that Everton are actively pursuing him. The reports emerging from Argentina and Spanish-speaking media could potentially be agent-driven, with an effort being made to keep Icardi’s name in the spotlight as he searches for a new club.
There are also other factors Everton would need to consider before pursuing a deal.
Icardi has often attracted as much attention for his private life as his performances on the pitch, particularly due to the long-running drama involving his former agent and wife, Wanda Nara.
That is the type of distraction Everton may prefer to avoid.
Financially, a move could also prove difficult. Icardi reportedly earned more than £150,000 per week at Galatasaray last season, a salary Everton should not be expected to match and almost certainly would not be willing to offer.