According to Daily Star, Chelsea have turned their attention for Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi, as Everton’s stubborn negotiating manners don’t seem to boost the chances of re-signing Romelu Lukaku this summer.
Chelsea made a £67m bid for the Belgium international last week, as the player himself is prepared to turn down a contract extension with The Toffees in favour of a Chelsea return.
However it might all fall through eventually, as Chelsea are reportedly ready to give up their pursuit for Lukaku, and move on to try and sign Serie A star Icardi.
Arsenal have been huge favourites to land the Argentine forward this summer, but according to recent reports Chelsea are tipped to win the race for the 23-year-old hitman.
Icardi didn’t have his best campaign for Inter Milan last season, as he got 16 goals to his name in 34 appearances, despite managing to bag 22 times the season before.
Inter yesterday sacked their manager Roberto Mancini, replacing the former Manchester City boss with Frank De Boer, which is likely put a few players on the move before the league kicks off.
The Italian manager was always a huge fan of Chelsea star Oscar, who was linked with a big-money move to the Serie A side, but due to the sack it’s unlikely that Inter would make a bid for the Brazilian.
However it’s uncertain if Oscar really is a part of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea plans, and so he could be used in the deal to help with Inter’s £50m valuation for Icardi.
Conte is a big fan of Icardi, but Chelsea will face a tough battle from Arsenal, Tottenham and another Serie A giant Napoli, to sign him.
