Fabio Capello Says Real Madrid Must Sign Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has said Los Blancos should sign Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi as soon as possible. 

The legendary Italian coach believes the Argentina international is perfect for the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.

Speaking to Radio Rai (h/t Chris Burton of Goal), Capello advised his former club to capture the Nerazzurri captain "immediately."

"I am a fan of his," Capello said. "He is a specialist in the penalty area, as was Cristiano Ronaldo, and if you put three balls in the area he hits all three. If I were Real Madrid, I would sign him immediately."

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Icardi has developed into a folk hero at the San Siro, with the former Sampdoria striker a huge favourite with Inter's supporter base.

The skipper started his career at La Samp after graduating through their youth system but soon moved to the Serie A powerhouse in 2013.

The clinical attacker has been banging in the goals since, and each year he is linked with a number of top sides searching for a predator.

Corriere della Sera (h/t Football Italia) reported Inter will offer the player a new deal to remain with them, as they attempt to tie Icardi to the Milanese team until 2023. The reported interest of Real has not been ignored in Italy, and Inter know they need to move fast to keep the striker in their arms.

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According to the report, the forward's release clause becomes active at the end of the current season, allowing him a transfer away from Italy for €110 million (£98 million) during a two-week window in July 2019. A fresh season of goals would surely see a number of teams interested in him at such a price.

Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi recently compared Icardi to former Real hitman Gonzalo Higuain:

Icardi appears happy to play the hero for Inter, but if a team the size of Real come calling, he will be tempted to swap Italy for Spain.

The joint-holder of Serie A's Capocannoniere award scored 29 goals in only 34 league games last term, and he is ready to test himself in a better domestic competition.

Juventus' dominance of Italian football dictates Icardi may have to look abroad if he wants a genuine chance of winning trophies.

Real are seriously lacking in front of goal since Ronaldo's departure, but Icardi would find the back of the net with ease supported by Los Blancos' creative midfield.