Former AC Milan ace Fulvio Collovati believes Mauro Icardi could be lured to AC Milan from arch-rivals Inter but the progress won’t be a straightforward. The Argentina international is currently on a season-long loan at Paris Saint-Germain but he is expected to return to the Nerazzurri amid the dispute between Les Parisiens’ board and his agent.

Speaking to SportMediaset, Collovati, who made 193 appearances for the Rossoneri, insisted that a move for Icardi can’t be ruled out but admitted the process could be tedious with the financial impact due to the coronavirus pandemic. He added that football teams can no longer afford massive sums to recruit players and the market could be dominated with swap deals.

He told: “I think the negotiations are possible. I don’t think it’s a fantasy signing, the only thing that makes me think a little is situation that now surrounds football. The transfer fees must be reduced now. The football world can no longer afford crazy figures. I hope the upcoming market will be dominated by swap deals and opportunities, and Icardi could certainly be an opportunity for Milan.”

Icardi was on the radar of the Rossoneri during the 2019 summer transfer window but he eventually made the move to Parc des Princes on a season-long loan. He has been hugely successful during his time in the French capital with 20 goals and four assists from just 31 appearances. As such, he should be in demand when the transfer window reopens and it remains to be seen whether he would swap the Nerazzurri for their fierce rivals.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri could lose the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of the season. The Sweden international was only signed on a six-month deal at the turn of the year but his contract should be extended for at least another 30 days with the season end due to be delayed beyond June 30 because of the suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.