Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa to Inter Milan Talk Denied, Latest Rumours

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has denied the club's reported pursuit of Chelsea's Diego Costa, citing the presence of Mauro Icardi in the Nerazzurri squad as proof enough that they do not need a new striker. 

A Don Balon report (via Calciomercato) previously indicated that Inter owners Suning Holdings were ready to sanction a €50 million (£42.6 million) move for Costa.

However, speaking ahead of Inter's 4-2 victory over Fiorentina on Monday—in which Icardi netted twice—Ausilio moved to quash rumours linking the Milan outfit with Chelsea's prolific star, per Premium Sport (via Calciomercato): "To talk about this is absurd, we already have a very strong centre-forward. We will try to evaluate the positions we feel need strengthening."

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Inter have endured a somewhat torrid campaign so far in 2016-17, which has already seen them sack head coach Frank de Boer after just 85 days in charge earlier this month.

They sit eighth in the Serie A standings, 12 points behind leaders Juventus, and skipper Icardi has been embroiled in a spat with the club's fans, per the Guardian's Paolo Bandini.

However, despite all Inter's concerns, Argentinian Icardi has remained prolific in front of goal, netting 12 league goals in 14 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

The 23-year-old's goalscoring and assist-making record is better than any other player across Europe's top leagues this season, including Costa, per Squawka:

Were it not for Icardi, Inter's troubles would be far worse than they are now, and a new star striker is arguably their least pressing need right now. 

Costa would be a terrific addition to the Inter squad and could combine with Icardi to devastating effect in the right system.

But a new striker is not a priority at the moment, and Inter would be better served spending €50 million to strengthen in other areas.

Equally, Chelsea would be unlikely to let Costa go given that he has returned to form so brilliantly this season after a difficult campaign in 2015-16.

Per Matt Law in the Telegraph, the former Atletico Madrid man is also now reportedly ready to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Given Ausilio's latest comments, it seems the Blues will not be approached by Inter for Costa any time soon.