Real Madrid Transfer News: Mauro Icardi a January Target for Los Blancos

Real Madrid have joined the list of clubs racing to sign Inter star Mauro Icardi next year following reports Los Blancos are willing to part with €45 million (£32 million) in order to land the striker.

Icardi has scored just three goals this season, but according to Milanese television network Telelombardia (h/t Italian website Gazzetta World), Real are willing to bank on the Argentina international picking up his stride.

Tano Pecoraro/Associated Press

Real Madrid's decision to invest in a striker this winter may be influenced by the potential absence of Karim Benzema, who was charged this week for his alleged involvement in the blackmailing of France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Benzema returned to training with his club on Friday as normal practice resumed, but there's perhaps a hanging concern his involvement in the case isn't yet done.

Inter captain Icardi was recently dropped from Roberto Mancini's side for the Serie A clash against Roma, but the manager was quoted by Football Italia and insisted his decision was purely a tactical one:

"

It was our decision because we didn’t want to give Roma reference points, we needed technical players who could attack them down the flanks. That is all. 

I needed a fresh player to attack the space, as Jovetic had worked hard and I wanted someone who could attack the space. Jovetic did very well, he really sacrificed himself for the team.

"

Benzema is recognised as Real's focal point in attack when fully fit, but the Frenchman has made just six La Liga appearances this season, leaving his side somewhat short-handed in his absence.

Bleacher Report writer Adam Digby is of the understanding Icardi might be of use to the Spanish giants if his evaluation of the South American's finishing ability is anything to go by:

At just 22 years of age, the Argentinian also promises to develop a lot in the years to come, but he has also grabbed some attention as a controversial figure during his four years in Italy.

Icardi recently testified to his own prolific shooting accuracy, per Football Italia, while also aiming a disguised blow toward his team-mates, who are perhaps not meeting his expectations:

Comments such as those create the suspicion Icardi could be willing to leave the San Siro if the right move came calling, something that Bruce Archer of the Daily Express reported is the case as he prepares to leave.

Former Barcelona academy player Icardi has grown to become one of Europe's most promising attackers since leaving Catalonia for Sampdoria in 2011 and eventually moving to Inter in 2013.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

The forward boasts an impressive goal ratio of 39 goals in 80 appearances for the Nerazzurri—close to a goal every other game—including a career-bast tally of 27 goals in 48 outings last term.

Real will want to see more of that Icardi before they choose to splash as much as €45 million on his services, with the developments surrounding Benzema also likely to influence their pursuit.