Mauro Icardi is expected to ‘not accept’ his offer from Napoli before the Partenopei’s deadline for the striker expires today, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Aurelio De Laurentiis has offered the 26-year-old a five-year deal worth €7.5 million net per season, with Inter due to receive €65 million.

Icardi has not officially rejected Napoli’s approach but he is not showing signs of agreeing to the move either, leading to frustration both at Inter and in the south.

GdS reported: “De Laurentiis doesn’t want to end up in a bottleneck but he has too much experience to withdraw from the race now. Some are already talking about a fresh approach at the end of this week.”

Juventus remain Icardi’s first choice if he leaves Inter, but the Italian champions are continuing to play a waiting game.

Inter will ask the Bianconeri to give them Paulo Dybala if and when they submit a bid for Icardi, a scenario the paper said was ‘linked to various eventualities’.

Icardi’s reluctance to accept Inter want to get rid of him has caused tension to escalate between the parties.

The Nerazzurri face an extremely difficult few weeks if Maurito decides to stay beyond the closure of the transfer window on 2 September.

“They will have to deal with someone who has already made it clear he wants to exercise all of his rights at all costs, even if that means taking legal action,” GdS explained.

“Their cohabitation is set to be a fiery one whatever happens, and it surely can’t leave Icardi feeling too comfortable either.”

Juventus identified Icardi as a key transfer target at the start of the summer, but they have since had to change their plans after failing to offload any of their own forwards.

Icardi has decided not to modify his own strategy as a result, however, meaning he is now more than likely to stay at the club where no one wants him.