Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Mauro Icardi’s contract negotiations with Inter with a view to taking advantage of the situation if an agreement is not found between the two parties.
Icardi has been one of the premium goalscorers of European football over the last few seasons and Inter are aware of his importance to the club.
The Serie A giants have opened talks over a new deal with the club captain, but the two sides are reportedly not close to reaching an agreement for the moment.
Inter have initially offered a contract worth €6.5m per season, but Icardi’s wage demands are believed to be around €8m per year.
The Nerazzurri remain confident of agreeing a new deal, but according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, the negotiations are being closely followed by Chelsea at the moment.
Chelsea could be in the market for a striker in January as Alvaro Morata is said to be keen to leave as he continues to struggle to get regular football at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are already lining up potential replacements and Icardi has emerged as one of the top targets for the club
His current deal has a release clause worth €110m and Inter are trying to bump it up to €130m in the proposed new contract.
Chelsea are remaining vigilant and are prepared to pounce if the negotiations between the striker and Inter become more protracted in the coming days and weeks.
Manchester United have also been linked with having an interest in the Argentine.
