Mauro Icardi has said he will not leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, despite reports linking him to a return to Italy.
Icardi joined PSG in 2019, initially on loan before sealing a permanent transfer at the beginning of last season. After making an impressive start, scoring 12 goals in his first 20 Ligue 1 matches and also performing well in Europe, he was hampered by injury during the 2020/21 campaign.
PSG will need Icardi on form if Kylian Mbappe leaves the club / Fran Santiago / Getty Images
This summer reports have linked him to a move from Paris with both Juventus – who were said to be looking forward to a fantastic swap deal with Cristiano Ronaldo – and interested Roma. However, Icardi has now shot down these rumors.
After a fan on Instagram asked if he would leave PSG, he replied: “This season, next and next !!! It has never been doubtful !!! Come on PSG,” via Football Italia.
Icardi’s desire to stay at the club may be linked to the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has long been a target for Real Madrid and after several seasons of waiting, Los Blancos will start negotiations in the coming weeks.
PSG also has a weak negotiating position. Mbappe’s contract will expire in 2022 and as 90min reported recently, he has already informed the club that he does not intend to write new terms.
This means that the forward will most likely go free next summer, although Real prefer that he joined before the end of the current transfer window. After freeing up space for their colossal salaries, the biggest stumbling block will be agreeing on a transfer fee. PSG had demanded as much as £ 150 million for Mbappe and it is not surprising that Real would not be willing to pay that much.
