Arsenal reportedly want Mauro Icardi in January, but they face competition from at least four other top European clubs, while Inter Milan desperately try to extend his contract.

Icardi is the latest player to be called a potential Alexis Sanchez replacement. Di Marzio say Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and AS Monaco are all chasing the Argentina. He has a £97.5m release clause.

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated write that the Gunners are frantically trying to find replacements for Alexis and Mesut Özil, and the expensive 24-year-old reportedly fits the ball. For some reason, they think Icardi could move on in January, although Di Marzio expect Icardi to stay with Inter at least until the summer.

It wouldn’t surprise me if most clubs around Europe want to sign Icardi right now, given he’s scored 18 goals in 22 games this season, plus one assist for his troubles. Arsenal don’t have anyone scoring that regularly, but they don’t have the money to sign one either.

Personally, however, I don’t think he’s what Arsenal need this month. The Serie A centre-forward is unlikely to dethrone club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette for the second half of the season, so he may be better off staying away.

Arsenal need a wide player to replace Alexis rather than a centre-forward, and after that the Gunners need a new midfielder, centre-back and goalkeeper. Maybe then they can think about buying someone else to play up front.