The future of Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi has been thrown into doubt with the news that the Argentine forward wouldn't travel with his teammates for Thursday evening's Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna in Austria.
Icardi apparently didn't want to travel as negotiations over a potential new contract became a little complicated following the latest intervention from Icardi's outspoken wife and agent, Wanda Nara. Icardi has been stripped of the captaincy at Inter, with goalkeeper Samir Handanovic taking the armband in his stead.
The situation has thrown the future of Icardi into doubt and there will plenty of interest from some of Europe's top clubs when it comes to the signature of the 25-year-old, who has been capped eight times by Argentina.
The forward could be an ideal addition to the Barcelona squad this summer as they are likely to be in the market for a new striker when the summer transfer window opens.
Barca are in need of fresh blood to bolster their attacking options as Luis Suarez is now 32 years of age and his powers appear to be on the wane, while the 31-year-old Kevin Prince-Boateng has been signed as a stop-gap squad player.
The La Liga giants do boast an embarrassment of riches with Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom amongst their attacking options, although a new out-and-out striker should be a priority.
Icardi, a former product of the Barcelona youth system, could be a perfect solution.
The South American star left Barcelona for Sampdoria and his 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Serie A side earned him a move to Inter in 2013. Since then he has scored 122 goals in 210 appearances for the Nerazzurri, including 15 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season.
It remains to be seen if Inter are willing to part ways with their forward following another season of frustration for the Milanese outfit, who are 20 points behind Juventus in the Serie A table.
There will be no shortage of suitors for Icardi if he were available as Paris St-Germain and Chelsea are the bookmakers' favourites to sign him. Chelsea are desperate for a new striker but PSG already have Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani to call upon. Meanwhile, Manchester United could be an option once their full-time managerial situation is sorted out at the end of the campaign.
Looks like the striker could be on his way out.
