Argentine forward latest to be linked with Emirates move

We’re well into this summer’s transfer window and Arsenal fans are still waiting for Arsene Wenger to buy an established striker to challenge current first-choice Olivier Giroud for a starting place.

And that striker might well be Argentina international Mauro Icardi.

Having seen the door slammed shut on interest in Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata and now Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain – who looks set for a move to Juventus – Wenger seems to be turning his attention to Higuain’s compatriot, Icardi.

In a vicious transfer circle surrounding Arsenal and three Italian clubs, should Higuain move to Juventus, Napoli may step up their interest in Gunners forward Giroud, who is rumoured to be open to a move to Serie A.

That would leave Gunners’ boss Wenger in desperate need of a top goalscorer, and if the guarantee of Champions League football for Icardi won’t be enough to tempt the forward, a lack of competition for his starting place certainly will.

Danny Welbeck faces another seven months on the sidelines and that leaves a hole in an Arsenal attack that desperately needs filling.

And although Wenger has strengthened his front line with the acquisition of Japanese striker Takuma Asano, it’s unlikely that the 21-year old will see much first team action this season.

Finishing in a disappointing fourth place – 24 points off Serie A champions Juventus – means Inter manager Roberto Mancini faces a battle to keep his captain for another year.

Whether a formal offer from the North London club materialises remains to be seen, and reportedly valued by Inter at £43m, Wenger would be right in his reluctance to break his record transfer fee for a player with just eight international caps to his name.

But in the world of football where money is seemingly no longer a barrier, a successful move for Icardi would make Arsenal’s 6/1 to win the Premier League a very tempting bet.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.