Napoli continues to insist but Inter is standing firm; Mauro Icardi is not for sale, even for €60 million. The nerazzurri want to hang on to their star player at all cost but that’s exactly what they may have to eventually do to keep the 23-year-old at the San Siro.
 

Later this evening, the nerazzurri take on Bayern Munich in the latest instalment of the International Champions Cup but the participation of the man of the moment is in considerable doubt due to a shoulder injury. Mancini may prefer not to risk the Argentine frontman as with his club hoping that a truce is called in what is becoming an increasingly messy transfer window.  

Inter executives know that to satisfy the player they will have to give him an improved contract; not in October or November, but right now. The word coming out of the Inter camp is that contract talks will now be brought forward; perhaps after the team returns from Oslo where they will face Spurs in pre-season. On this point, Icardi’s representatives will make no compromise; a postponement will send him closer to Napoli, who lurk menacingly in the background waiting to offer up to €70 million to bring him to the San Paolo.


Original by Pasquale Guarro. Adapted and translated by Steve Mitchell