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Real Madrid plotting surprise January move for Mauro Icardi?

Real Madrid plotting surprise January move for Mauro Icardi?
© Reuters
Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi is reportedly attracting the attention of Real Madrid ahead of the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have been linked with a surprise move for Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi in January.

Icardi has made a return to the forefront of the European stage due to his performances in the Champions League with Gala this season.

The 30-year-old scored a late winner in a 3-2 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford in October, just minutes after missing a penalty.

While Icardi was only able to steer Galatasaray to third in the group, he has been in scintillating scoring form domestically, where the Turkish giants are fighting neck-and-neck with rivals Fenerbahce at the top.

Marca claims that Icardi's form, which has seen him score 18 goals already this season, has alerted Real Madrid, who want to sign him in January.

The report states that Icardi would come in and compete with Joselu for a place in the starting XI.

Real Madrid forward Joselu on September 27, 2023© Reuters

Joselu has come in for some criticism during his early career at Real, but the 33-year-old has still netted nine goals even though he has not been a regular in the side.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti preferred a starting strikeforce of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior at the start of the season, but an injury to the latter has broken up that partnership for the time being.

Vini Jr was ruled out for up to 10 weeks after picking up an injury on Brazil duty back in mid-November, meaning that he may not return until the Champions League resumes in February.

Despite winning five of the six games since Vini Jr's injury though, it appears Real that will enter the market for a new attacking option in January.

For the latter part of the 2010s, Icardi was one of most sought-after strikers in Europe during his fruitful days in an Inter Milan shirt.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi pictured in December 2018© Reuters

A graduate through Barcelona's La Masia youth system, Icardi enjoyed six sensational seasons with Inter Milan, despite not winning any major honours with the Nerazzurri.

After moving from Sampdoria in 2013, Icardi scored 124 goals with Inter, before earning a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Playing in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, and eventually of Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi saw Icardi's numbers drop slightly, and he was soon out of favour at Parc des Princes.

Icardi was then tempted into a move to Turkey by Galatasaray, where he has scored 40 goals in 52 appearances, including five in the Champions League.

It will be 13 years since he left Spain for Italy in January though, and making a return to Barca's bitter rivals will certainly make headlines should it transpire.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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