Chelsea's interest in striker Mauro Icardi has led to Inter Milansporting directorPiero Ausilio confirming the Serie A side wish to keep their prolific striker for the "long term."Simon Johnsonof theLondon Evening Standardbelieves Inter are unwilling to match Icardi's contract demands, something which could help Chelsea "weigh up a summer move." However, Ausilio suggests the situation will be addressed at the right time, considering Icardi's current deal doesn't expire until 2018, per Transfermarkt.com.Ausilio's comments were reported byDavid Amoyal, who is part ofSky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio's team:We don't consider Icardi's situation a problem, maybe someone thinks he deserves more but he's serene. He has a five-year contract, and that's an important reality, maybe it was a lot of money when we signed him, if today it isn't enough there isn't an urgent deadline, if not we would see him more often. We want to lock him up long term, we'll do it at [the] right time and in a way that works for everyone. There is no rush.Icardi could be an excellent replacement for the diminishing force of Didier Drogba. Although not a powerful holdup man like the Ivorian, the 21-year-old is currently enjoying his best campaign to date. This season's tally of 13 league goals already eclipses his previous high of 10scored while playing for Sampdoria in 2012-13.Rumours of his departure are currently among the most prominent in football, with others recently highlighted by B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti:Manager Jose Mourinho always seems to be in the process of maximising the potential of his squad. It's questionable whether Icardi would readily accept competing for a lone place alongside Diego Costa and Loic Remy, the former of which is currently the Premier League's top scorer with 17, per BBC Sport.Chelsea's immense strength in depth continues to provide Mourinho with a wealth of options, highlighted by goalkeeper Petr Cech's excellent performance during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Everton. Blues fans will be forgiven for forgetting the likes of Thorgan Hazard, Marco van Ginkel and Patrick Bamford are currently out on loan.Thorgan, the younger brother of Eden Hazard, is one who may give up waiting for an opportunity in the first-team. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at German club Borussia Monchengladbach, where he has produced two goals and six assists in 24 appearances.Hazard suggests he could be able to secure a permanent move before the summer, as told to Kicker (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC): "I believe that there will be a decision before the end of the seasonthe sooner the better."This follows on from Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl confirming the club are in negotiations to sign the Belgian, per the club's website (h/t Uersfeld):"We are still in discussions with Chelsea.The fact of the matter is that Thorgan would like to stay here, Chelsea can see a transfer happening and we want to sign him.All three are very positive signs, so we will try to come to an agreement and hopefully get a contract agreed."Thorgan, while talented, is threatening to live in the shadow of his sibling. Eden has 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season,and he has developed into one of Chelsea's key stars. He is likely to be among the PFA Player of the Year candidates, having won the Young Player award last season.Blues fans may long to witness the two brothers in Chelsea's lineup, but it seems unlikely this will ever happen. Mourinho could cut plenty of fringe players loose in the summerthe club had 30 players out on loan at the start of the seasonparticularly if he wishes to make room for Icardi.UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules ensure the west London side cannot spend above their means, meaning the turnover of players is likely to continue for the Premier League leaders.Stats via WhoScoredunless otherwise noted.
Click here to read full news..
