Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided against signing free-agent striker Mauro Icardi despite considering the Argentine as a possible solution to their early-season attacking problems.

Icardi became available after leaving Galatasaray in July, following four seasons with the Turkish club. The 33-year-old has also played for Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain and scored 16 goals in all competitions last season.

Tottenham’s interest emerged after the club struggled to score at the start of Roberto De Zerbi’s first season in charge. Italian reports indicated that Spurs were assessing Icardi alongside Lazio, with journalist Giulio Cardone confirming that Tottenham were “also there” in the race.

However, later reports stated that Tottenham had no intention of pursuing the move. One significant obstacle was squad registration: Spurs had already submitted their 25-man Premier League squad, meaning Icardi could not be registered for league matches until the January transfer window even if he signed immediately.

Icardi’s free-agent status would allow him to negotiate with clubs outside the transfer window, but Tottenham reportedly do not regard him as a viable option under the current circumstances. The club’s decision leaves the striker free to consider other destinations, although no agreement with another team had been confirmed as of September 21.

The article is current as of September 21, 2026. Reports that Tottenham were actively pursuing Icardi have been superseded by later claims that Spurs have ruled out a move. There is also no confirmed evidence that Everton had opened negotiations, with reporting indicating that the club had played down or had not advanced its interest.