Transfer News: Chelsea, Man City Target Mauro Icardi

Chelsea and Manchester City are two of several clubs interested in Sampdoria starlet Mauro Icardi who scored at the weekend watched by Manchester City scouts in the 3-1 win over AS Roma.
The former Barcelona youth player has been in hot form this season for the Sampdoria, most notably having played a game winning role in wins over Juventus and Pescara.

It’s led to clubs from across Europe showing an interest, according to reports in Italy, with Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan, Roma, Chelsea and Manchester City all keen on Icardi.

Indeed, the Italian paper claims both the Blues and Citizens have sent scouts to ‘spy’ on the talented teenager, whose current €10million value is set to increase in the coming months at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez strengthened his attack during the January transfer window, with Demba Ba moving to Stamford Bridge from Premier League rivals Newcastle.

However, the Senegalese international is one of only two senior strikers available to the Blues boss, with mis-firing Fernando Torres the other option.

Icardi would continue the club’s more recent policy of bringing young players to west London, and would also add to a growing South American contingent within the Chelsea camp.

Manchester City, meanwhile, let a striker go in January, with Mario Balotelli departing the Etihad Stadium for AC Milan.

source: give me football