Mauro Icardi has created another potential headache for Inter by asking the club to wear the no. 7 shirt, according to Sport Mediaset.
The striker has no intention of leaving the Nerazzurri this summer, despite having his no. 9 shirt removed and given to Romelu Lukaku two weeks ago.
Inter have reportedly granted Icardi his wish, allowing him to use the same number he plays with for the Argentine national team.
But the club’s decision means Alexis Sanchez will have to change his own shirt number, having been destined to pick up no. 7 after joining from Manchester United.
“The days are passing, the transfer market is moving towards its conclusion but Icardi’s desire remains the same,” the TV station reported today.
“He has thought things through carefully and as such he has chosen a new shirt, one which means almost as much to him as the no. 9.”
It remains to be seen whether Inter would allow Icardi to deny Sanchez his preferred number, despite being almost certain not to play this season.
The Nerazzurri clearly have not seen the last of their former captain, whose stubbornness threatens to create a nasty off-field distraction for Antonio Conte and his new-look side.