Chelsea have been put on alert following comments by Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, who has admitted he could leave the San Siro this summer.
The 25-year-old striker, captain of the Italian giants, could be forced out of the club due to Inter’s need to balance their financial books after another campaign where they look likely to miss out on Champions League football.
Inter tackle Lazio in the Serie A finale this weekend, currently sat three points behind the Rome-based side, and need a victory to secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition next season – but even a single point would be enough for Lazio to pip them to fourth spot.
The club’s hopes of securing a top-four finished were handed a huge blow by a 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo on Saturday and, following the defeat, Icardi was asked about his future – and refused to commit to Inter Milan.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said:
“I repeat every year, I will speak to the club. If it’s good for the team that I stay, then I’ll stay, otherwise I will leave. I always do what is best for the club and the team. When the season ends, we’ll talk to the club and see what is best for them.”
Despite scoring 28 league goals this season, Icardi looks unlikely to feature for Argentina at the World Cup this summer due to the immense competition he has in his forward position, having only earned four caps so far – with three of those coming in 2017.