Gattuso blocks Lazio move for free agent Mauro Icardi

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso has rejected the possibility of signing Mauro Icardi, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Icardi remains a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, although his future has come into sharper focus in recent days with reports that contact between the player and his former club could resume. The two sides may yet discuss an agreement over his salary.

However, despite interest from several Premier League clubs, including Everton, and other offers currently being considered, the 32-year-old is still weighing up his options and will not be joining Lazio.

A move to the Italian club was never close to being completed, largely because of the difficulty involved in reaching an agreement over financial terms. Icardi departed Galatasaray after four seasons and has spent the summer assessing a number of proposals in search of a project that suits him and a salary that meets his expectations.

Gattuso’s reservations were a significant factor in Lazio moving away from the deal. The manager made his position clear about a month ago and there have been no indications that he has changed his mind.

Lazio have instead concentrated on Andrea Pinamonti, who is now the only recognised centre-forward in the squad following the loan departures of Boulaye Dia to Rennes and Florian Ratkov to Levante.

Gattuso remains confident in Pinamonti’s ability. The manager believes the striker’s difficulties at the start of the season have primarily been caused by his failure to reach peak physical condition.

Pinamonti’s preparations for the major match against Milan were also affected by an ankle injury. His fitness has additionally been influenced by the disruption caused by the summer transfer window.

The prospect of bringing Icardi into Lazio’s dressing room had raised concerns within the coaching staff. The squad had demonstrated a strong collective spirit, and Gattuso preferred not to risk disturbing that unity by making a significant change to the group.

Icardi previously played in Serie A for Sampdoria and Inter before leaving Italy to join Paris Saint-Germain. He later moved to Galatasaray, where he spent four seasons before becoming a free agent.