Napoli are preparing a mega-money offer for Mauro Icardi in a bid to challenge Juventus for the Inter forward, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Aurelio De Laurentiis is willing to pay Icardi €10 million per season and does not need to sell any players first before making his move.
Juventus remain strongly interested in signing Inter’s former captain, but unlike Napoli they need to create space in their squad.
“Icardi keeps saying he wants to stay at Inter for the simple reason that each day takes him closer to his contract expiring,” the paper reported this morning.
“It would be tough to stay for another two years, though. If he’s worth €70 million now it’s unthinkable he could spend another season on the sidelines.”
Antonio Conte has agreed a pact with the club that Icardi will be sold for the right price if they are able to do so.
Inter’s head coach did speak to the striker’s wife and agent Wanda Nara this week, however, assuring her he would not treat Icardi differently from the rest of the first-team squad in preseason.
Conte faces a difficult balancing act when preparation begins next week, which will require him to treat Icardi with respect but also make it clear he is not wanted.
Juventus are still in a strong position to sign the forward and reportedly sent Fabio Paratici to meet Wanda in Ibiza last weekend.
Maurizio Sarri views Icardi as the strongest penalty-box striker in the world and has told friends in private he would score at least 30 goals in his side.
Inter are pressing ahead with their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku despite the confusing situation surrounding Icardi.
The transfer window in England shuts a month earlier than it does in Italy and the Nerazzurri cannot risk leaving it too late.