Rumour Reel: Arsenal and Spurs vie for Icardi, Blues to bag Barbosa?

Holly Thackeray | July 14, 2016

Pre-season is about to get into full swing across the continent, meaning plenty of Premier League clubs should be upping efforts to complete transfers before the new term starts in earnest. Today’s rumour reel is certainly not lacking, with two South American stars linked to arrivals in England…

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Icardi eyed by north London rivals

Things could be about to get testy in the north of London, as capital clubs and bitter neighbours Arsenal and Tottenham are both tipped to be targeting Inter Milan and Argentina marksman Mauro Icardi.

The ruthless Rosario-born goal bagger’s agent and wife Wanda Nara told press: “There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.”

Serie A champions Juventus are also thought to be circling for the striker after seeing Alvaro Morata return to Real Madrid, meaning Inter may find it tough to cling onto the South American sharpshooter this summer.

Icardi converted 16 league goals from 33 appearances last season, and would be a powerful alternative to Olivier Giroud for Arsene Wenger, who appears to be prioritising a new poacher.

A switch to Spurs seems less realistic, however, after Mauricio Pochettino plucked Dutch dangerman Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for a fee of around £17m.