Skip to content

Inter Milan say Mauro Icardi is not for sale despite Napoli reports

Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan v Empoli, Serie A, 7 May 2016
Image: Inter Milan say Mauro Icardi is staying at the club

Inter Milan have insisted that Mauro Icardi is not for sale amid reports that transfer talks are taking place with Napoli.

The Argentinian striker, who scored 16 goals in 33 league games last season, is a reported target for Arsenal as well as the Serie A runners-up, with Gonzalo Higuain linked with a move to Juventus.

Icardi's wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, has reportedly been involved in negotiations for the 23-year-old club captain, with Sky Italia saying talks between the two clubs have taken place.

Mauro Icardi, attaccante e capitano dell'Inter (foto getty)
Image: Icardi was made Inter captain last year

A report in Corriere dello Sport even suggested Icardi had been promised a five-year deal worth 5.5m euros (£4.6m) a season and a future role in a film directed by Napoli's film-producing owner Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio admitted meetings with Napoli have been held, but insisted the club are looking to keep all their "top players" ahead of a fresh assault on the league.

"For sure there have been meetings with Napoli, but we're not selling [Icardi] to Napoli, and it's not a question of money," Ausilio said.

Higuain è un nuovo giocatore della Juventus (foto getty)
Image: Higuain could be set to leave Napoli for Juventus

"There is no agreement. Inter will be keeping Icardi, as well as other players. Our ambition is to reinforce the squad and the club by keeping our top players.

Also See:

"I'm not interested in what Napoli can offer. Icardi doesn't have a release clause in his contract and Inter doesn't want to sell him. It's as simple as that."

Icardi was handed the captain's armband a year ago but it did not stop speculation surrounding his future for much of last season.

Icardi e Mancini potrebbero lasciare l'Inter (foto getty)
Image: Icardi scored 16 goals in 33 league games last season

However, Ausilio added: "There are no problems with the player. He's working well, he's been with us for years and he's become the captain of a club with a glorious past.

"We've always paid attention to his requests. We renewed his contract at the right time and now is not the right time to renew it again."

Around Sky