Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Reportedly Make Offer for Mauro Icardi

Chelsea have reportedly made a €63 million (£54.9 million) offer for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi.

The Argentinian's wife and agent, Wanda Icardi, is said to have received the bid from the Blues, but they will need to up that offer to land the 25-year-old, according to Italian journalist Fernando Czyz (h/t AS).

Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Icardi and a bidding war is expected over the summer, but Icardi has not ruled out the prospect of staying at the San Siro side.

Icardi has enjoyed a superb season at Inter and has 22 goals and an assist in 24 Serie A outings. Squawka Football showed his impressive record during his time in the Italian top flight:

The striker has a €110 million (£96 million) release clause in his contract, and Wanda Icardi has said they are confident and relaxed with regards a renewal with Inter, per Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

Former Inter striker Ronaldo said every team would want Icardi but he should stay at Inter, as shown by Goal:

Chelsea spent big on bringing in Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid in summer 2017, but the Spain international has not wholly convinced at Stamford Bridge. The striker has 10 goals and five assists in the Premier League but has suffered in 2018 with poor form and injury.

Morata has managed just one goal since the turn of the year, and his lack of form has seen him dropped from the Spain squad for friendlies against Germany and Argentina. Coach Julen Lopetegui explained how he can regain his place in the side in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, per Indy Football:

The Blues may look to strengthen in the summer after struggling to defend their Premier League title and having been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Barcelona at the last-16 stage.

Icardi would prove an attractive option, and he would thrive at Stamford Bridge, according to football writer Roy Nemer:

However, Real Madrid are also believed to be interested. Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said in January that Icardi is "is being watched and almost tempted by Real Madrid," per Veronica Brunati at AS. 

Icardi looks set to have plenty of options this summer, and Chelsea may struggle to compete. The Blues are five points off fourth place in the Premier League and may not be able to offer UEFA Champions League football. There is also uncertainty over coach Antonio Conte's future, and it remains to be seen if he will still be in charge next season.