Mauro Icardi is open to the opportunity at Everton, and David Moyes has confirmed the club are looking at the free-agent market. Everton have only Thierno Barry as a recognised senior centre-forward, so the link has gone from idle talk to a live squad issue. Everton are also coming off six goals across their last five league games.

Everton's striker shortage

Moyes said: "We are looking at the free agents market. I am trying to get a team that is going to be at the top end and challenge. I want the players to believe that we are moving forward – for me, that is really important."

That sits neatly alongside the other reporting around Icardi. TeamTalk said he has been offered to Everton and is open to the move, although no advanced contact has taken place. ESPN journalist Luiz Carlos Largo also reported that Everton are considering him as a possible option after the Balogun deal fell through.

Everton's recent form is mixed enough to explain the search. They have one win, two draws and two losses in their last five league matches, and the attack has not been carrying enough weight.

Why Icardi is the obvious free-agent name

The appeal is obvious enough. Icardi scored 77 goals and 25 assists in 134 games for Galatasaray, and he scored 16 goals in 47 appearances last season. That is the profile Everton are looking at if they want a striker who can step in quickly without a transfer fee.

Okan Buruk described him as more than a penalty-box finisher, saying: "Icardi, in the center forward position, is a player who plays with his talent, knowledge, experience, and intelligence, rather than just his physical build."

The other clubs in the frame show this is not an Everton-only story. Atletico-MG could turn to Icardi if Richarlison does not join before the Brazilian transfer window closes on 11 September, while Lazio remain interested as they assess the free-agent market. Everton still look the most immediate fit because the need is already visible and Moyes has said the club are actively searching.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 6 outlets. How we work →