Roma targeting Icardi as Malen backup for attack

AS Roma have identified Romelu Lukaku’s potential replacement with Lautaro Martínez set for Inter Milan. Roma’s transfer priority includes signing Mauro Icardi as a backup to Loïs Openda.

The Belgian striker Loïs Openda joined Roma in July 2023 from RB Leipzig for €52 million. Lautaro Martínez is expected to leave Roma this summer after his €105 million transfer to Inter Milan in 2022.

Roma’s sporting director search remains ongoing after the club parted ways with Daniele Prade in May. The appointment of Tony D’Amico as sporting director is still pending official confirmation.

Icardi, 30, played 181 matches for Paris Saint-Germain between 2017 and 2023, scoring 124 goals. He joined Galatasaray in September 2023 on a free transfer. Galatasaray reached the UEFA Champions League knockout phase this season.

Openda scored 12 goals in Serie A last season. Martínez netted 35 goals in all competitions during the 2022-23 campaign.

Roma’s board aims to finalize Icardi’s move ahead of the transfer deadline. The club is also exploring other attacking options.