Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have been in sensational form this season with their attack despite playing without a proper striker, but that is mainly because Roberto Firmino is doing such a good job playing the false number nine role. But Liverpool is looking to sign Mauro Icardi in order to get a natural goal scorer at the club to break down the most stubborn of defenses.
A prime example of Liverpool needing a proper natural centre-forward was when Klopp’s side visited Manchester United earlier this month. The visitors huffed and puffed but still needed an own goal from United defender Eric Bailey to bring them one goal back into the game. And after losing 2-1 at Old Trafford, their first loss in a long time highlighted the issue of not having a player on the pitch who could finish chances in the box.
Although new arrival Mohamed Salah has been in sublime form and breaking records in terms of scoring goals he is primarily a wide player who gets into the box just like Sadio mane on the opposite flank. Roberto Firmino is also a natural winger who operates as the main centre-forward for Klopp. However, such impressive have been the Brazilian’s performances that he has also been linked with a move away from Anfield just after the Merseyside club lost playmaker Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in the winter transfer window this January. Bayern Munich is also eyeing the skilfull forward in order to replace Robert Lewandowski if the Pole leaves for Real Madrid in the summer.
There are possible rumors that Firmino would follow his national compatriot to Barcelona in the next transfer window. And if that happens, Klopp will need to have a solid goalscorer in his side to carry the mantle forward. The Reds are arguably the most entertaining team in the Premier League and they will need another top quality striker to replace Firmino, therefore they have identified Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi as the next man for the job.
The Argentine international has already scored 22 times in the Italian league this season including a hat-trick in the Milan derby as well as four goals against Sampdoria. Icardi has also been given the captain’s armband because he is leading the Nerazzurri to a Champions League spot for next season. The 25-year-old striker has been incredible for Inter and has caught the eye of many top clubs across Europe. Icardi is currently valued at a price of £67.5m at the moment but the Serie A giants are not willing to sell him for anything less than £100m.
Icardi is a predator in front of goal and is a lethal finisher when presented with chances. The South American also possesses a lot of skill which helps him ease past opposing defenders and allows his teammates to link up well in the attacking third as well. And when push comes to shove, he could be the perfect replacement for Firmino at Anfield. Liverpool are now in the quarter final of Champions League and will face Manchester City.
