Rumour Reel: Icardi to Arsenal while Milan move for Lamela and Oxlade-Chamberlain flirts with exit?
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Coral’s rumour reel
After the Inter Milan fans turned on the Argentine at the weekend, Mauro Icardi to Arsenal is rumoured on today’s back pages.
It’s no secret that Arsene Wenger is after a top-class striker to bolster a Premier League title tilt, but Icardi could pose a risk to the chemistry at the Emirates – despite adding bags of goals.
Icardi to Arsenal?
Argentina striker Icardi is reportedly edging his way to the San Siro exit as his row with the club’s ultras intensifies. At the weekend, Icardi missed a penalty and his own fans cheered – such is the extent to which the Nerazzurri faithful have turned on him.
This, combined with some rather unsavoury banners, sees Europe’s big clubs sniffing around lethal marksman Icvardi. Reports emerging from Italy suggest Inter will look to offload the striker in the coming winter window, with club legend and vice-president Javier Zanetti saying: “Will we be taking action? Unfortunately yes, the fans are the most important element.”
So, what would the Gunners get from the 23-year-old forward valued at around £35m?
Icardi sits behind only Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain in the Serie A goal charts, netting a six in eight league outings. Arsenal are reportedly looking to add quality finishing options, despite signing Lucas Perez this summer, as Wenger eyes his first league title in 17 years.
Milan move for Lamela?
Staying with Serie A, AC Milan are linked with a move for Tottenham’s Erik Lamela.
Back in 2013, Spurs splashed out £25m plus bonuses on Lamela as part of the post Gareth Bale spending spree.
Despite a tough start to life in England, he finally seems to be flourishing at White Hart Lane under compatriot coach Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Lamela’s form seems to have attracted interest from Vincenzo Montella. Milan were a club that attempted to sign the winger while he was at Roma.
Reports in Italy suggest a bid of £22m could be enough to tempt Daniel Levy to sell, but Lamela is under contract until 2020 and has made eight league appearances this season – making him a key member of Pochettino’s squad.
Tottenham chairman Levy is unlikely to sell for a fee lower than what he paid for Lamela, so expect negotiations to be protracted despite Milan’s new found wealth.
Oxlade-Chamberlain set for new challenge?
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claims he could leave Arsenal in search of a new challenge, after seeing his playing time reduced.
The England winger is yet to complete 90 league minutes for the Gunners this season, so now seems on the periphery of Wenger’s squad.
In a recent interview, ‘the Ox’ said: “There is going to come a time in my career, and I think I’m approaching that, when I do need to be getting more regular football.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at the Emirates from Southampton in 2011 for £11m, going on earn 24 senior England caps and make 158 outings for the Gunners. Manchester rivals United and City are reportedly front-runners if he decides to leave.
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