Chelsea are continuing to monitor Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi - with owner Roman Abramovich leading interest in the striker.
The Blues boss is taking charge of the club’s rebuilding programme and is taking a vested interest in a possible £100million move for the Argentine hitman.
Head coach Maurizio Sarri wants a new striker, with Alvaro Morata having failed to impress.
Callum Wilson has been mooted as a possible signing this month, yet Bournemouth insist they have no desire to let the England forward depart - despite landing ex-Chelsea youngster Dominic Solanke.
But Mirror Football understands it is goal poacher Icardi who is the standout name at the top of the Blues’ list.
The 25-year-old is in the middle of a contract stalemate with Inter, as they seek to extend his current deal.
The Italian side are offering their captain improved terms as they are desperate to replace the current buy-out clause in his contract.
Icardi last signed an extension in 2016, and a clause detailed that he can leave San Siro to a club outside Italy for £100million.
At the time, such a move would have made him the world’s costliest footballer, exceeding the £89million paid by Manchester United for Paul Pogba.
But that figure was blown out of the water by Neymar’s stunning £200million switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and transfer fees across the board have escalated.
As such, Inter are increasingly fearful of eventually losing their leading marksman, aware that he has interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The club recently hired Beppe Marotta as sporting director - the role he previously filled at Juventus - and he has been tasked with finally getting Icardi’s new deal over the line.
Inter have reportedly offered €6million per year, but Icardi's wife/agent, Wanda Nara, has been holding out for €8million, leading to the current impasse.
Nara made clear her frustrations with the situation on Italian TV last month, declaring "Inter's offer doesn't exist".
And the situation is unlikely to be resolved this month, with Icardi currently in his native Argentina during Serie A’s winter break.
Inter aren’t worried about him turning his back on the club mid-season either, if the stalemate continues then Icardi - who has fallen out with the club before - could decide his future lies elsewhere beyond this summer.
That would allow Chelsea to land the elite No.9 they have sorely lacked since allowing Diego Costa to return to Spain with Atletico Madrid.
ninaclorty
181
The problem is Chelsea shows interest in almost every player available but often settles with the worst possible option
Tipceimnu
140
If CFC can get dis guy Icardi signed , then hazard and co still remains, it will be a good solid team. Still insist dat Morata be given more time, he can go on loan nw but d likes of Hudson Odoi, Ampadu, Loftis Cheek shld be given more playing time. Olowo
xandergustin
104
I don't think we will have any striker problems if Chelsea manages to sign this guy but that's a big IF for all I know, Chelsea never willingly spends a lot of cash on players. Except if we want to start now. I'd really love icardi to be at Chelsea(hope he doesn't wear the cursed number 9 shirt too) but this guy would be the signing of the century for us. and I really hope the at this isn't a rumor and roman actually spear heads this transfer, if roman could bring she shevchenko then he can bring this guy too
Nesaiknruy_Legend
98
Make it happen, we have striker issues and he's the best thing around right now. Icardi to Chelsea is almost a dream. Even if he lacks technical ability, his finishing ability is second to none.
jibckmoprt
89
Chelsea needs him, he's got everything to lead the blues attack. Roman Abram. must let this happen if indeed he wants Chelsea fights for trophies in the coming seasons.
tropicalda
87
Mauro Icardi, who is one of Serie A’s most lethal strikers and a hero for Inter, A hard working striker who is menacing in front of goal. He looks hungry for goals when going forward. A striker like him will make Chelsea genuine title contenders and will be a good investment for the future considering his age he we fill that empty #9 role... 💯👏
Lotaku
63
I hope this would not be a rumour. Icardi is the solution for Chelsea for now .I had a dream that Icardi became a Chelsea player. Chelsea owner should go for him in the name of football and it will improve Chelseas performance God willing. ICARDI ? THE BEST FOR CHELSEA. WALLAI .
doyacinpsz
55
if I were to be listen then, Icardi would have been a Chelsea player at this time instead of Morata. More besides Chelsea would have saved some money then instead of the €58m spent on Morita and Chelsea would have been playing UCL football at this time. However, though he will cost a good sum of money but he is the perfect guy to fill the Void left by Costa. Believe this guy has almost everything that a World class striker should have, I mean speed, strength, pace and dribbling skills. moreover, he age in is favor. Go on Chelsea sign this guy and once again make us EPL and UCL competitors for the next 7 to 8 seasons.