Lazio have contacted free agent Mauro Icardi to ask whether he would consider returning to Serie A after his contract with Galatasaray expired, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The Biancocelesti are searching for a striker but have only a very limited budget available, making players without a transfer fee a key part of their recruitment plans. Sky Sport Italia reports that Lazio have spoken to Icardi’s representatives to establish what salary the Argentina international would expect.
Icardi’s demands and ambitions could determine whether the move develops further. The 33-year-old would prefer to wait for an offer from a club competing in the Champions League, but the prospect of regular first-team football could persuade him to reconsider.
The striker has considerable experience of Italian football. He scored 121 goals and provided 31 assists in 219 Serie A appearances during his time in the competition.
Icardi began his senior career in Italy after joining Sampdoria in 2011 from the Barcelona youth academy. His performances there led to a move to Inter in 2013, with the Nerazzurri paying €13m for his services.
His time at Inter eventually ended after behind-the-scenes clashes, and he was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. Icardi then continued his career with Galatasaray, where he played from 2022 until his contract was allowed to run down in June 2026.
The forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee in November 2024. Despite that setback, he still contributed 16 goals in 47 games for Galatasaray last season.
Lazio’s interest reflects their need to strengthen in attack while working within strict financial limitations. A free transfer would allow the club to explore an experienced option without paying a fee, although Icardi’s wage requirements and desire to play in the Champions League remain potential obstacles.
The Argentine has already shown that he can deliver consistently in Serie A, having established himself as a prolific scorer during his years with Sampdoria and Inter. Lazio are now assessing whether those performances, along with his more recent record in Turkey, make him a suitable target for their attack.
For Icardi, the decision is likely to involve a choice between waiting for a Champions League opportunity and accepting a role that offers more dependable playing time. Lazio have made the initial contact, with discussions over his salary expected to help determine whether the former Inter and Paris Saint-Germain striker could return to Italy.
