Mauro Icardi switches to PSG on four-year deal

Argentine scored 20 goals before 2019/20 Ligue 1 season was curtailed

Mauro Icardi, left, is happy to compete with the likes of Neymar, centre, and Kylian Mbappe, right for a starting berth at PSG after making his loan from Inter Milan permanent. AFP

Mauro Icardi in Coupe de France action against Pau at Stade du Hameau in January. Reuters

From left: Mauro Icardi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory over Galatasaray. AFP

Mauro Icardi celebrates scoring against Brest in Ligue 1 in Ovember 2019. AFP

Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi controls the ball during the Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes. AFP

Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring for PSG against Lille. AFP

In this file photo taken on December 11, 2019 Paris Saint-Germain's Mauro Icardi, centre, Neymar, left and Kylian Mbappe celebrate a goal against Galatasaray. AFP

Paris Saint-Germain have triggered the option to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi on a permanent basis.

The Argentina international spent the 2019/20 season on loan at the Ligue 1 club, which was cancelled last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Parisians were subsequently awarded the title.

"Paris Saint-Germain are delighted to announce the signing of Mauro Icardi on a permanent deal, following the striker's loan from Inter Milan during the 2019-2020 season," the French club said.

Given the current economic situation the French champions succeeded in reducing the fee "to under" €60 million (Dh245m), as opposed to the €70 million initially requested, according to reports in France and Italy.

Icardi, 27, has signed a four-year contract with the French champions, with PSG suitably impressed with the striker's return of 20 goals in 31 appearances despite competing with Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar for a starting place.

Uruguayan striker Cavani, 33, the club's record goalscorer, is out of contract next month and has been linked with a move to Spain with Atletico Madrid as well as a return to Italy, possibly to replace Icardi at Inter.

Inter manager Antonio Conte made clear to Icardi last summer that he was not part of his plans, with Romelu Lukaku signed from Manchester United for big money. The Belgium international went on to forge a prolific partnership with Lautaro Martinez before Serie A was also halted by the Covid-19 outbreak.

"The club thanks the player for the six seasons he spent with us and wishes him the best for his future professional career," Inter Milan said in a statement.