Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about former Inter striker Mauro Icardi and whether he could return to the national team in an interview with Argentine broadcaster DirecTV yesterday morning local time.
“Icardi is still in our plans, he knows very well how things are. I spoke to him on the phone when he was in conflict with Inter. I explained to him that I wouldn’t summon him because the other strikers were playing regularly with their respective clubs. And after the Copa America Lucas Alario showed up, but Mauro is not excluded. He’s just the right age to become a great scorer.”
Scaloni then spoke about the possibility of deploying both Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Inter forward Lautaro Martinez together.
“They get along very well, they’ll make a great duo for Argentina.”
Lautaro, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2023, has made 17 appearances for Argentina since his debut in March of 2018. The 22-year-old striker has since scored nine goals and provided one assist in that time, impressing many.
The Argentine forward is heavily wanted by Catalan giants Barcelona, but the Spanish club cannot afford to pay his €111 million release clause. Instead, they are hoping to offer the Nerazzurri €70 million plus Junior Firpo, but the Milanese club don’t value the Spanish full back that high.
Should Barcelona fail to sign Lautaro in July, Inter will offer the 22-year-old a new contract, hoping to secure the player’s services for years to come.
