Chelsea are set to be frustrated in their pursuit of Argentine forward Mauro Icardi with the news that the 22-year-old has committed his future to Inter Milan.
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According to the Daily Mail, the forward has signed a new four-year contract with the Lombardy giants, keeping him at the club until 2019.
The news ends speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, where Chelsea are believed to be keen on his services.
The youngster was in superb form in Serie A last season, bagging 22 goals and dazzling with his inventive and menacing forward player.
Inter’s struggles in mid-table—the Nerazzurri again failed to qualify for European competition—had led to some speculation that Icardi would seek his fortunes elsewhere, but the striker has opted to remain at the Giuseppe Meazza.
“All players want to be in the Champions League, but I’m happy here at Inter,” the player began, speaking to the club’s official website, as reported by the Mail.
“I hope I can qualify for that competition next year with a great Nerazzurri side.
“In terms of my contract, I want to stay, everyone knows that. Now there just needs to be an agreement with the club. It will take time because we’re still talking but I’m optimistic.”
The Rosario-born striker arrived at Inter in 2013, having previously featured for Sampdoria for one campaign. He spent several seasons as part of Barcelona’s youth academy before moving to Italy in 2011.
Atletico Madrid had also been linked to his signature, according to Goal.com.