Zidane opens Icardi door

By Football Italia staff

Reports in France suggest Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane has opened the door to signing Inter’s Mauro Icardi, as a replacement for Karim Benzema.

Los Merengues have been linked with the Argentinian international for some time, though the player himself has always made it clear he wants to stay at San Siro.

Initially it was thought that a move was unlikely, as Benzema was untouchable at the Bernabeu, but L’Équipe is reporting today that the situation has changed.

According to the French sports newspaper, a meeting was held two days ago between Zidane, President Florentino Perez and director general José Angel Sanchez.

The last match before Christmas saw Madrid beaten 3-0 at home by Barcelona, and there’s a recognition that changes may be needed.

Above all, the club sees this January as an opportunity to make up for what they see as the mistakes of the summer - chiefly the decision to let Alvaro Morata leave for Chelsea.

That left Benzema without any real competition in the squad, but he has always been defended by Zidane.

However, L’Équipe reports that the Madrid press is turning on the Frenchman, not least because he came back from the winter break with an injury.

While Zidane insists the injury was suffered in the Clasico, there are whispers about Benzema’s professionalism and he could now be replaced.

The newspaper notes that Icardi and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner are the most likely choices, and that contact has already been made with representatives for each.

Much would depend on Zidane’s support for Benzema, as neither man would make the move to Spain to be backup.

While the Coach has been publicly supportive of his compatriot though, behind the scenes there may be a willingness to replace the Frenchman.

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