Real Madrid believe they can take advantage of Mauro Icardi’s row with Inter by signing him for as little as €40m, claims Marca.
According to the Spanish newspaper, the €110m release clause – valid only in the first two weeks of July – is no longer the lowest possible price for the striker.
His agent and wife, Wanda Nara, also told Marca that “it’s not true Mauro didn’t go to Real Madrid because of me. We have a great deal of respect for Real.”
The increasingly tense situation, claims the Spanish newspaper, could prompt Inter to accept a sale for only €40-50m.
This would also connect with the Italian reports that Inter directors confessed no massive offer was ever received for the Argentine.
He has not played for several weeks, ever since he was stripped of the captaincy for reasons that remain unclear, and is officially suffering from a knee injury.
However, his long letter on social media on Thursday was read as an attack on Coach Luciano Spalletti and director Beppe Marotta.
“All my sacrifices were made for the love of these colours, while respecting everyone. I don’t know if, at this time, there is love and respect towards Inter and I on part of those who make decisions.
“I don’t know if there’s the desire on the part of someone to act and resolve things only and exclusively for Inter’s sake.
“Many things can happen in a family, good or bad. And out of love, one can stand for a lot of things.
“But respect must never be lacking. These are my values, these are the values for which I’ve always fought. In my story. At Inter. With Inter.”
The Corriere dello Sport maintains Icardi does not trust Spalletti and Marotta, so is waiting for President Steven Zhang to fly in for the Milan Derby so he can negotiate directly with him.
While Inter hierarchy continue to imply Icardi has to apologise to his teammates, Wanda repeatedly states Mauro has “done nothing wrong and has nothing to apologise for.”