Mauro Icardi STRIPPED of Inter Milan captaincy amid talks over new deal and Chelsea transfer interest
Icardi's wife and agent Wanda said last month the Serie A side were yet to offer the striker a new deal
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CHELSEA'S chances of signing Mauro Icardi have been given a boost after the striker was stripped of the Inter Milan captaincy.
Icardi's wife and agent Wanda said last month that Inter were yet to offer the striker a new contract.
And now Inter have confirmed that the Argentina forward, 25, has lost the armband to goalkeeper Samir Handanovic - and will not call him up for Thursday's Europa League clash against Rapid Wien.
Reports claimed San Siro chiefs were stalling on Icardi's £170,000-a-week wage demands.
And Wanda said the club are no closer to tying him down to a contract beyond his current deal, which expires in 2021.
Chelsea made their interest known during the past transfer window as they looked for a replacement for Alvaro Morata, who left for Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal.
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And though Icardi's future remains up in the air, Inter fans seem pleased that the captaincy has gone to the experienced keeper.
As does Icardi's team-mate Marcelo Brozovic, who liked a photo on Instagram showing that Icardi was no longer captain.
One wrote: "Great decision. Finally someone saw something wrong with assigning Icardi to be our captain while he can't captain his wife."
Another said: "Great decision, no more s*** drama from our captain."
A fellow user posted: "Icardi leaving?"
One comment read: "Transfer confirmed."
And another user asked: "Does it mean Icardi will leave?"
Talking of her fella's proposed new deal at Inter, Wanda said previously: "I'd like to see Mauro more protected by the club because sometimes nasty things have come out from inside.
"The priority is Inter, I've never demanded a renewal. We're in no hurry, he still has two years left on his contract."