Transfer News

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen has reportedly agreed a contract with Inter Milan until 2024.

According to The Times' Gary Jacob, the deal will earn him around £100,000 per week after tax.

Spurs are hoping to cash in on him in January before he leaves at the expiration of his contract in the summer, and they reportedly want in the region of £20 million for him.

However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t MailOnline's Jeorge Bird and Alvise Cagnazzo), the fee Tottenham are hoping to get for him is closer to £17 million, and on Tuesday and Wednesday there will be key meetings regarding the transfer.

It's also said Eriksen has reduced his wage demands from an annual salary of £8.5 million (£163,000 per week) to £6.5 million (£125,000 per week) to help facilitate the move.

Inter's pursuit has also been aided by a Growth Decree from the Italian government, which has provided them a 50 per cent tax reduction.

The 27-year-old has returned 69 goals and 89 assists in 302 appearances for Tottenham but just three apiece in 25 games this season.

On Monday, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho revealed the Dane will feature against Middlesbrough in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday and could play against Watford on Saturday too.

Per The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare, Mourinho also gave his take on Eriksen's form but would not be drawn on his future:

I’m not criticising the player. It’s normal in this situation that a player doesn’t play at his highest level.

— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) January 13, 2020

I don’t know if he’ll be here beyond January. I know his future but it’s not for me to speak about it.

— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) January 13, 2020

Eriksen failed to impress as Spurs lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Saturday, and some sections of the Tottenham support made their feelings on his performances clear:

Christian Eriksen booed as he comes off... Shame its come to this given how good he has been for 95% of his time at the club but the last six months have been a disaster for all concerned.

— Oliver Young-Myles (@OMyles90) January 11, 2020

A move to Inter could revitalise his career while he's still at what should be the peak of his powers.

In his six full seasons at Spurs, he has reached double figures for goals on five occasions. The same goes for assists, so Inter will have an outstanding player on their hands if he can rediscover that form.

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has said he will not move clubs in the January transfer window amid speculation linking him with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The Netherlands international has long been rumoured to be a target for some high-profile clubs in Europe, having shone for the Amsterdam giants.

With the transfer window open, reports he could be on the move started to intensify again. However, Van de Beek made it abundantly clear on Fox Sports that he won't be moving on before the end of the campaign (h/t Goal):

"It is not that I can or want to do something at the moment. I have said it before and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season, and maybe next season as well.

"These reports about Real Madrid or Man Utd are a good sign, but it is not important now. I've said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so 100 per cent."

After winning the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup last season, as well as progressing into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Ajax earned plenty of admirers. Star players Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong were sold to Juventus and Barcelona, respectively.

Van de Beek remained with the club, though, and is continuing to impress this term. WhoScored.com took a look at some of his numbers from the campaign:

🇳🇱 Donny van de Beek (Ajax) / 22 / M(C)

Linked to: 🔴 Manchester United

League apps:

15(1) Apps
6 ⚽️ Goals
4 🅰️ Assists
2.2 🎯 Key Passes per 90

Manchester United fans -- Would you settle for Van de Beek as a replacement for Paul Pogba? pic.twitter.com/zBBiAeyRQL

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 10, 2020

Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, Ajax have played some thrilling possession football, with the starting XI packed with technically proficient operators. Van de Beek provides a more direct edge.

Although he uses the ball well, his game is centred around finding space in dangerous areas. The 22-year-old is excellent at timing runs into the area, and when chances do come his way he's an adept finisher.

James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph reported that United were giving "serious consideration" to making a move for the midfielder in January, noting Ajax would likely want at least £50 million for his services.

With Van de Beek shutting down speculation about a January move, the Red Devils will need to look at alternatives if they want to strengthen their midfield. Football writer Sam Pilger said that Sporting CP's Bruno Fernandes is a target for the Premier League club:

Bruno Fernandes has been on #MUFC’s radar for over a year, but the interest has now got a lot more serious and a deal could finally be happening

— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) January 10, 2020

While United were 4-0 winners over Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday, they have been weak in midfield this season, with star man Paul Pogba injured for the majority of the 2019-20 campaign.

Van de Beek would have been able to add productivity in this area. However, it seems his admirers will have to wait until the end of campaign before they stand any chance of securing his services.

Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has said their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal could hinge on Blaugrana boss Ernesto Valverde's future.

Per Goal's Sam France, Marotta has previously confirmed the player "is one of our targets."

He elaborated on a potential move for the Chilean while speaking to Radio Rai (h/t Goal's James Westwood): "It depends on various factors. He's a player that interests us, but I think at the moment Barcelona's coach is at risk [of being sacked], so the situation depends on that."

Valverde has led Barcelona to back-to-back La Liga titles, and his side are top of the table on goal difference at the halfway point this season.

However, he has been under pressure for much of his time at the club for a number of reasons, including their performance in the UEFA Champions League. In 2017-18, Barca blew a 4-1 first-leg lead over Roma in the quarter-finals, while last season, they did the same with a 3-0 first-leg lead over Liverpool in the semi-finals.

Relative to how the team performed under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique before him, Barca's football hasn't been particularly inspiring, either, and he has repeatedly made questionable decisions with selection and substitutions.

Football broadcaster Juan G. Arango was critical of him as Barca lost in their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, while football writer Colin Millar suggested he should have left last summer:

Valverde is making too many mistakes over and over again. Hard to defend him when he makes two subs 20 mins late. But also blame the players, you CANNOT have lapses like they had and lose a game they controlled. Now having Messi is not enough.

— Juan Arango (@JuanG_Arango) January 9, 2020

Ernesto Valverde has been a successful Barcelona boss, he has had an excellent coaching career and is an affable leader. But the time was right to go last summer and this season is almost certainly his last. Barça fans may want him gone now, but problems go beyond the coach.

— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) January 9, 2020

According to Ben Hayward of the Evening Standard, Barca spoke to club legend Xavi—now manager of Qatari club Al-Sadd—after the defeat, although they have no immediate plans to relieve Valverde of his duties.

As for Vidal, he has made just seven starts in all competitions under Valverde this season, playing 901 minutes.

If the manager remains in charge, the 32-year-old may want to push for a move to Inter in the hope he gets more game time.

On the other hand, Vidal has made the difference several times from the bench this season. Three of his six goals in this campaign have come as a substitute, as did his one assist, so Valverde could be reluctant to part with him if he's still at the helm.  

Sporting CP manager Jorge Silas has said the club are considering "alternatives" to star midfielder Bruno Fernandes amid fresh speculation linking the player with a move to Manchester United.

Fernandes has been Sporting's star man for a while and has subsequently been linked with some of the biggest teams in European football, including the Red Devils.

With the transfer window open, Silas was quizzed on the prospect of Fernandes moving on and how the team would cope without him, per O Jogo (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness):

"He's a huge player. All players like Bruno always have a lot of market. We know that he'll always be a much talked of player and sought by clubs as big as they say. 

"I don't like to think about that beforehand, but I'm starting to think of alternatives within our team if Bruno doesn't stay with us. I hope that doesn't happen. In Portugal, unfortunately, we can't keep the best players for long. Bruno is the best player in the league."

When asked if he had any further information regarding a possible January sale of the player, Silas said "I don't have it."

The comments came before some Portuguese outlets reported that the Red Devils are ready to make their move for the 25-year-old playmaker, per Sport Witness:

Bruno Fernandes | Big claims from Portugal in past hour.

Varandas (Sporting president) said to have travelled to England.

TVI24, A Bola and Record all reporting it, among others. Record say he's at #MUFC's offices.https://t.co/CnDqZWgRMJ #mufc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 10, 2020

El Observador also reporting it now, from their own information.

Interestingly a couple of the sources report Manchester United players could be involved, going the other way.

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 10, 2020

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quizzed on possible January activity in his press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Norwich City, and he said Fernandes "is another player in a different club I can't speak about." He added that "I wouldn't expect many ins and outs" in the current window."

If United were to pull off the signing of Fernandes in the coming weeks, then it would be a huge boost for the club.

This season, the Red Devils have lacked a thrust from midfield, with Paul Pogba injured for the majority of the campaign. Fernandes has shown in recent seasons that he can provide both a creative and goalscoring threat from a similar berth.

In the 2018-19 season, he netted 20 goals in 33 league games. This term, Fernandes has continued to have an impact in the final third:

🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP) / 25 / M (C/L/R)

Linked to: 🔴 Manchester United

2019/20 League stats:

14 Apps
6 ⚽️ Goals
7 🅰️ Assists
2 🟨 / 1 🟥

Is he the midfielder Manchester United need to secure a top four finish? pic.twitter.com/9cniOP5NBF

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 6, 2020

Football writer Liam Canning thinks the Sporting man would be an ideal stylistic fit at Old Trafford:

Manchester United don’t have that player - among others - who can unlock a defence when they’re sitting back. You know, someone like Bruno Fernandes. Struggling big time.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 2, 2019

Although Scott McTominay and Fred have progressed this season, United are without a player who can unpick deep-sitting defences with frequency when Pogba isn't available. Given the Frenchman's future continues to be a talking point, it would be no shock to see Solskjaer in the market for another attacking midfielder.

Fernandes is ready to make the step up to a higher profile of club and a more challenging league. It would be intriguing to see if he could be as effective in the Premier League and how he would link up with players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial

Federico Chiesa can leave Fiorentina if an acceptable offer is made for him, according to club owner Rocco Commisso.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Juventus for some time, while Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in him, per CalcioMercato.

Per Lady Radio (h/t Football Italia), Commisso has now opened the door for Chiesa's exit:

"I have already spoken to his father Enrico. I have come here to Florence seven times since I bought Fiorentina and we've seen each other many times. I have been talking to Enrico and Federico. If he wants to leave, he can go, but only if there is an offer in favour of Fiorentina. I'd like to have players who can become leaders, like [Gaetano] Scirea, [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini, [Fulvio] Collovati, [Francesco] Totti or [Giancarlo] Antognini."

Back in June, soon after his purchase of Fiorentina, Commisso said Chiesa would not be sold "even for €100 million (£85 million)."

It seems he has now changed his mind on the winger's value to the side.

Fiorentina have endured a tough opening half of 2019-20. After 18 matches, they are 15th in the Serie A table, just four points clear of the relegation zone:

#SerieATIM update after 18 matchdays. 📊⤵️#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/J5QBuzdN06

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 6, 2020

Chiesa has made 15 appearances in the Italian top flight this term, netting two goals and providing three assists playing across the front line.

The Genoa-born attacker joined the Viola's youth ranks in 2007 and made his senior debut in 2016.

He has been a key part of the first team ever since and also earned his first senior Italy cap in 2018.

Chiesa has yet to prove that he can be a consistent threat at the highest level. His career tally of 17 goals in 112 Serie A appearances is not overly impressive.

He boasts an exciting skill set, though, and the quality of the clubs linked with him shows just how much potential he has.

Fiorentina likely sense an opportunity to make a good amount of money on a player who has long been linked with an exit.   

Mikel Arteta believes Granit Xhaka has been talked into performing a U-turn over the idea of leaving Arsenal during the January transfer window.

The Gunners chief recounted how conversations with the playmaker may have helped Xhaka, who has been linked with Hertha Berlin, decide to stay in north London.

Arteta said he spoke with Xhaka about his relationship with Arsenal fans and feeling wanted by the club, per Tommaso Fiore of Sky Sports:

"I wanted him to hear from me my opinion on him, and that I was ready to support him and that I was ready to push the club to be supportive of him too, because I thought he could be a really, really good player for us and he could enjoy playing under me in this football club. I tried to convince him that way. He thought about it, he had a very positive response afterwards, and I think he changed his mind."

Arteta was aware Xhaka had endured his issues with sections of the club's fans. However, Arteta said dealing with problems like these is a fact of life in the modern game: "Every club has its own issues. Some things come within the club, some within the media, some from social media."

Gauging Xhaka's feelings was important after he clashed with home supporters when Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace back in October. The Switzerland international later apologised and explained that he'd been affected by social media abuse aimed at his wife and daughter, but the incident ultimately cost Xhaka the captaincy.

Losing the armband happened under Unai Emery, who was sacked in November and briefly replaced by interim chief Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede made way for Arteta in December, and the Spaniard quickly made it clear he wanted Xhaka to stay. 

Arteta's proclamation of faith in Xhaka led to a swift upturn in the player's form:

Granit Xhaka for Arsenal vs. Bournemouth:

• Most touches (109)
• Most passes completed (89)
• Most passes in opp. half (59)
• Most passes into final third (20)
• =Most tackles made (2)
• =Most interceptions (2)

A new start with Mikel Arteta? pic.twitter.com/GDgWeg2h4q

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2019

Yet despite the immediate impact, rumours persisted Xhaka would soon leave Arsenal. The 27-year-old's agent even went as far as publicly confirming Hertha's interest:

Granit Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguera to Blick: “I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin.” The Arsenal midfielder will likely become Hertha Berlin’s record signing in January. #AFC #hahohe

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) December 27, 2019

Reports of offers from the German top flight soon surfaced from various sources:

Arsenal are demanding €40m for Granit Xhaka, with Hertha BSC having bid €35m so far, according to Sky in Italy.

How much is he worth? 💰 pic.twitter.com/PSX0sCD0Q6

— GOAL (@goal) December 28, 2019

Hertha Berlin’s offer to Arsenal for Granit Xhaka is a loan with a €30m option to buy, according to L’Équipe. More follows.

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) December 30, 2019

Nothing concrete ever materialised in regard to Xhaka's mooted switch to the German capital. Instead, he has become the fulcrum of Arteta's changing and improving Arsenal side.

His technique, range of passes and renewed application have been vital to the pressing and possession Arteta has emphasised since taking over. Xhaka's improvement was underlined by his terrific display during the 2-0 win over Manchester United on New Year's Day.

Granit Xhaka's https://t.co/ooXzmfX2Vp rating of 7.42 vs Manchester United last night was his highest in a Premier League game for Arsenal since last March (also vs Manchester United) pic.twitter.com/HFlA7zQMRx

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 2, 2020

His distribution was efficient, while the former Borussia Monchengladbach man rarely wasted a chance to harass United players, lead the press and win the ball. In tandem with Lucas Torreira, who has excelled since being restored to the holding role by Arteta, Xhaka has helped form the kind of consistent and secure midfield base the Gunners have lacked for too long.

Keeping him in the fold maintains the strength and quality in Arsenal's engine room. It also offers further endorsement of the positive steps Arteta has taken during his initial days in the job, proving he can motivate under-performing players and sell them on his ability to rebuild the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reaffirmed his intention to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the club in January despite speculation of a transfer to Barcelona or Inter Milan.

Robert Warlow and Art De Roche of Football.London cited recent links with both European giants and provided comment from Arteta after he was quizzed on Aubameyang's future at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners boss told reporters on Thursday: "My intention is to keep Auba because with him we are closer to winning football matches. He's very happy here. We're not thinking to sell. There's nothing concluded on the table."

A transfer to either Barca or Inter seems unlikely at this juncture considering each club has a world-class striker leading their lines in Luis Suarez and Romelu Lukaku, respectively.

Aubameyang spoke to the club's official matchday programme before Monday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Leeds United, and he hinted at his frustration with rumours of a departure, via ITV:

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang addresses recent speculation about his future in his programme notes 💬🔴 pic.twitter.com/0YUgzEb0sT

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 6, 2020

He added: "I would like to react to some of the rumours that are going around about in the media. People like making up stories and they should focus on what's happening on the pitch. They talk too much and it does my head in!"

Questions were asked of Arsenal's £56 million signing after he recently went on a run of just four goals in 11 top-flight games, coinciding with the club's miserable patch of only one win in 15 matches. 

Aubameyang now has 13 league goals to his name this season and is one of only two non-English players in the division with more than 10—Liverpool's Senegalese star, Sadio Mane, is the other—per The Independent:

Top goal scorers in the Premier League this season:

1️⃣ Jamie Vardy = 1️⃣7️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
2️⃣ P E Aubameyang = 1️⃣3️⃣ 🇬🇦
2️⃣ Danny Ings = 1️⃣3️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
4️⃣ Tammy Abraham = 1️⃣2️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
4️⃣ Marcus Rashford = 1️⃣2️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
6️⃣ Harry Kane = 1️⃣1️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
6️⃣ Raheem Sterling = 1️⃣1️⃣ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/a5pglNzmzF

— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) January 2, 2020

The Gabon international scored in each of his first two Premier League appearances under Arteta, who has led Arsenal to successive domestic wins for the first time since September.

The former Manchester City assistant has swiftly earned something of a reputation for his tough-love approach as a manager in north London.  

The Spaniard recently expressed his willingness to let his players know when he's unhappy, something that may not have been as forthcoming with his predecessor, Unai Emery:

Honesty's the best policy.

👔 @m8arteta pic.twitter.com/6TQSsjLwiX

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 7, 2020

Arteta clinched his first Premier League win as a manager when Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 at home on New Year's Day, but the Gunners will be on the road when they visit Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has ruled out a January move for longtime transfer target Leroy Sane of Manchester City. 

Per Tobias Altschaffl of Sport Bild, he was asked about a possible move for the Germany international during a press conference:

Salihamidzic: Sané will not join Bayern Munich in the winter transfer periode. #fcbayern #sané @SPORTBILD @BILD_Bayern

— Tobi Altschäffl (@altobelli13) January 9, 2020

Sport Witness couldn't help itself:

Nice of Bayern Munich to exclude the transfer of a player who doesn't belong to them. https://t.co/d13Dcop3CV

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 9, 2020

Sane has long been linked with the Bundesliga giants, and there were strong rumours he would join them in the summer. He suffered a major knee injury during the Community Shield against Liverpool in August, however, all but ending the chances of a summer switch.

The winger hasn't played since, and speculation has lessened as a result. Bayern are still expected to make a move for Sane at some point due to their need at the position.

Longtime starters Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery both left the club at the end of last season, leaving the Bavarians with limited depth. Kingsley Coman has been hit hard by the injury bug, and Ivan Perisic has struggled for consistency since joining on loan from Inter Milan.

Bayern are looking for reinforcements, but it's difficult to find the right players in midseason, according to Salihamidzic:

🗣️ #Salihamidžić continued: "Hansi and I are in constant talks. We're considering every option, but strengthening the squad during the winter break is difficult."

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 9, 2020

City have been just fine without the 23-year-old, courtesy of their phenomenal squad depth. Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva have all performed well when stationed on the wing, and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo can also split out wide if needed.

The fact they've hardly missed the former Schalke man could make City more receptive to a sale in the summer. Sane is a talented player but clearly not crucial to the squad.

Per Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, he's close to returning to training, and in all likelihood, Bayern scouts will keep a close eye on him when he's ready. If he shows he's back to his best in the coming months, a summer switch seems likely.

Manchester United's Ashley Young has reportedly turned down a contract extension in favour of a transfer to Serie A side Inter Milan.

Sky Sports initially revealed the Red Devils were hoping to convince Young to stay by offering him a new, one-year deal. But Gianluca Di Marzio has said Young turned it down and wants to move to Italy in January.

The 34-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, and according to BBC Sport, he has a deal to join the Nerazzurri when his contract expires:

⚠ DONE DEAL ⚠

Manchester United captain Ashley Young will join Inter Milan when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Full story 👉 https://t.co/F9XDy7Q3NR #mufc #manutd #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/t2qGxJza9r

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 8, 2020

Inter are in the midst of a tight battle for the Serie A title with defending champions Juventus, however, so they would likely prefer a January switch.

Per Sky, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep the veteran at the club as a dressing-room leader. His versatility―he can play as a winger or full-back―is an added bonus.

Not everyone is keen on Young staying, however:

For years and years Ashley Young has tormented Manchester United fans with his performances. For years and years he’s cost United on the biggest stages. For years he’s looked like a footballer with no brain and stole a living. In another world, Young would be back at Watford.

— Marwan Ahmed (@MarwanAhmed_KF) January 9, 2020

The veteran has started 10 Premier League matches so far this season, playing mostly as a left-back. He has made 28 starts in the competition in each of the last two seasons. 

He arrived at Old Trafford in 2011 from Aston Villa, and he's one of the longest-tenured players in the squad.

Serie A has become a favoured destination for United players of late, with Romelu Lukaku also plying his trade at Inter and Chris Smalling joining AS Roma on loan. Both have found immediate success on the Italian peninsula.

United recalled Cameron Borthwick-Jackson from loan on Thursday, a move that would add full-back depth if he doesn't join another club and could allow Young to leave in January:

📰 Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has today been recalled from his loan by Manchester United.

We thank Cameron for all of his effort in his time at the Club and wish him luck for the future.#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/CY4jVItEpK

— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) January 9, 2020

Per Sky Sports and Di Marzio, Inter manager Antonio Conte tried to recruit Young while he was in charge of Chelsea, and it seems likely he'll get his man this time around.

Mauro Icardi has said he would "be happy" to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond his season-long loan transfer from Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a prolific first half of the campaign at the Parc des Princes, netting his first PSG hat-trick on Wednesday when they hammered Saint-Etienne 6-1 in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals.

Icardi told reporters after the game: "I feel very good in Paris. I haven’t spoken to the club yet, but there are still four or five months left of the season. When the season is over in May, we will sit down and talk. If I have a chance to stay, I will be happy."

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were also on target for Thomas Tuchel's side in midweek, but it was Icardi who stole the spotlight as he increased his goal tally to 17 in 19 total PSG appearances:

The Argentina international endured a difficult 2018-19 campaign at Inter amid doubts over his future at the club, but OptaJean demonstrated how he's returned to his effective best in Paris:

3 - Mauro Icardi 🇦🇷 v St Etienne :

4 shots

3 shots on target

3 goals

1 assist

1st time he has scored 3+ goals in all comps since March 2018 with Inter against Sampdoria (4)

Machinne. 🥅#PSGASSE pic.twitter.com/A4YKBpbsUg

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 8, 2020

According to Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons of the Guardian, the French giants must pay Inter €65 million (£55.4 million) if they want to permanently land Icardi, who signed a new deal with the Nerazzurri until 2022 just prior to his loan exit.

Tuchel may strongly consider the deal considering Icardi's hot streak of scoring form, not to mention veteran striker Edinson Cavani—who will turn 33 in February—has a contract that's due to expire in June.

PSG team-mate Marco Verratti spoke to Canal Plus (h/t Football Italia) after Wednesday's game, saying the team weren't expecting "incredible" Icardi to be such an instant success in France.

Inter have hardly suffered in Icardi's absence and sit level on points with Juventus at the top of Serie A having discovered new attacking solutions, per commentator Adam Summerton:

Romelu Lukaku & Lautaro Martínez have been so good, Inter haven’t missed one of the most natural finishers ever to play for the club.
Inter board deserve credit for Icardi decision, many would’ve indulged him - much more of a team now #FCIM #InterGenoa

— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) December 21, 2019

Mbappe, in particular, appears to enjoy his partnership with Icardi, whose strengths in positioning and reading the game have combined with the Frenchman's wicked pace to great effect.

One might argue PSG should focus this summer's investment on areas of the pitch other than the attack, but Cavani's potential departure would leave something of a void.

Icardi has had at least one direct goal involvement in each of PSG's last six Ligue 1 games, and he'll hope to make it seven in a row when the leaders host AS Monaco on Sunday.