Icardi emerges as free-agent option for Inter Milan as striker crisis deepens

Inter Milan are weighing up a move for free agent Mauro Icardi after Marcus Thuram left the France national team camp early due to injury and returned to Milan for treatment.

Tuttomercatoweb reported that the setback has pushed Inter to examine their options in the winter market, with the transfer window still more than six weeks away. Captain Lautaro Martinez is already sidelined, and Bonny is expected to miss at least one month.

Icardi back in the picture

Among the free agents currently available, Tuttomercatoweb identifies Icardi as the most prominent name. The Argentine has been without a club since leaving Galatasaray, and talks over a return to Istanbul appear to have stalled.

Icardi has publicly expressed a desire to return to Inter, but club president Marotta has been cool on the idea. Marotta said he did not know whether Icardi had been recommended to the club, and that Inter had certainly not sought him out.

Marotta added that Icardi was not in the club's plans, and that signing a fifth striker was not part of the plan either. Whether that position holds given the current injury list is now a question being asked about the club.

Juventus link and the Spalletti factor

Icardi has also been linked with Juventus in recent weeks, a situation Tuttomercatoweb notes mirrors what happened in January last year. Spalletti's presence at Juventus could complicate any potential move.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported separately that Inter are not expected to be active in the winter window. The club's only realistic addition would be a centre-back, and only if John Stones departs. If Stones can provide sufficient fitness guarantees, Inter's transfer activity could remain closed until June.

Inter's rivals prepare for a busy January

While Inter plan to stay quiet, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that several Serie A rivals are already preparing significant winter business. Roma sporting director Damico has said on multiple occasions that the club must sign at least two players to challenge for a top-four finish.

Roma's priority is a winger, with Chelsea's Bynoe-Gittens identified as the strongest candidate. Endrick is described as the dream target, with AC Milan also pursuing him. Further options include Kvernadze of Frosinone and Lewerling of Stuttgart.

AC Milan need a centre-back, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio the top name on their list. Sporting are asking around 40 million euros, a price La Gazzetta dello Sport says was difficult to meet in the summer and is unlikely to be easier in January.

Juventus and Napoli plan major investment

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus intend to invest 100 million euros across the coming transfer windows. The club are looking for a left-back, a box-to-box midfielder in the mould of Hojbjerg, and a striker, with Balogun and Retegui named as targets.

Balogun has reportedly fallen out with Monaco, while Retegui is said to be open to leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia. Napoli, meanwhile, are seeking a midfielder to rotate with Anguissa, with Monaco's Mamadou Coulibaly one idea, though Monaco are asking more than 30 million euros. Napoli also want a striker to replace Lorenzo Lucca, and sporting director Manna has long admired Gustavo Varela of Monza.

Inter currently sit top of Serie A under Gattuso. La Gazzetta dello Sport describes the club's approach as one of minor adjustments, with no large-scale spending planned regardless of the Icardi question.