5 things you may not know about Arsenal target Mauro Icardi

Arsenal are rumoured to have a keen interest on Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi. The 23-year-old has been in terrific form for Inter Milan in the past couple of seasons and was named the captain of the Nerazzurri for the 2015-16 season and since then has scored 16 goals for the Italian club.

Also Read: Xhaka the 'perfect signing' for Arsenal - Mertesacker

The striker, who is very good in the air also has impeccable finishing ability. He was left out of the Argentina squad in the Copa America, owing to the plethora of attackers at their disposal. However, he is one for the future and Arsenal have put their eyes on the right man to lead their line for years to come.

Also Read: David Seaman urges Arsene Wenger to sign more players

We take a look at five things you may not know about the young Argentinian:

#1. He was a part of Barcelona’s La Masia Academy

Icardi was part of La Masia academy as a kid

Mauro Icardi was born in Rosario, Argentina, the hometown of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria before moving to Spain’s Canary Island at the age of six. He had scored over 500 goals in youth categories with local club Vecindario. In 2007, at the age of 15 Barcelona scouts spotted him as a striker with great potential.

He was previously offered contracts by the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, Liverpool and Arsenal. However, the Blaugrana won the race after a tussle with rivals Real Madrid for his signature and made him a part of the renowned La Masia Academy.

The buy paid dividends for the Catalan club as he was regularly on target for the junior sides of Barcelona. He was said to be one of the best headers of the ball at La Masia in his time there. However, it was soon realised that he did not tick all the boxes to become a top striker in the Barcelona first team. Therefore, he was moved out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011 which became a permanent deal a year later.