Mauro Icardi’s pro-Inter Instagram post on Friday was an attempt to put the club under pressure ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Icardi took to social media to deny reports he wanted to sign for Juventus, telling supporters he wanted to stay at Inter and had already informed the Nerazzurri of his decision.
However, the former captain’s future at Inter remains highly uncertain as tension continues to reign behind the scenes.
“By reiterating his desire to stay at the club, despite the chance he will no longer be a central part of Inter’s plans moving forward, Icardi has sent the ball into Inter’s court,” Gazzetta reported today.
“He is asking the club to take full responsibility for any eventual separation this summer, as if to say: ‘I want to stay, and if I don’t it will be because you’ve kicked me out.’
“At that point he would have more power in deciding where he goes, with his preference remaining another top club in Italy – and there aren’t many of those…”
Icardi remains convinced he still has a sizable part of Inter’s fan base on his side, despite being booed by large parts of San Siro during Monday’s win against Chievo, and intends to exploit this should Inter choose to sell him.
It is unlikely the 26-year-old will reject every destination Inter suggest for him this summer but it is not impossible.
A move to Juventus would be highly unpopular with supporters but there remains a small chance Inter could attempt to set up a swap deal with Paulo Dybala, who is being heavily linked with a departure from the Bianconeri.
In any case, the Nerazzurri are continuing to pursue other targets in attack, with Roma’s Edin Dzeko and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner the front-runners at present.
