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Chelsea target Mauro Icardi is close to signing a new contract with Inter Milan.
Reports in Italy suggest that the forward, who is his club’s top scorer this term, is on the brink of agreeing a new deal until the summer of 2019, which will make him one of the best-paid players at the club.
Icardi’s representatives are thought to have found common ground with Inter on the terms of the contract, after delays regarding bonuses and image rights.
Icardi’s salary is expected to increase to £70,000 a week - roughly treble his current wages. Inter had long considered selling the 22-year-old, but both owner Erick Thohir and coach Roberto Mancini want the player at the centre of their plans.
The best Serie A players available to buy this summer
Inter’s move to keep Icardi means they may sell another of their stars in order to meet UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic is coveted by a number of Europe’s top clubs.
