Inter Milan Working on New Contract with Mauro Icardi but 'Aren't in a Rush'

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has said the club is in negotiations with captain Mauro Icardi over a new contract.

The Argentina international has three years remaining on his deal, but he's been the subject of speculation regarding a possible exit lately. 

According to Chris Burton of Goal, the €110 million (£96 million) release clause in his contract can be triggered in the first two weeks of July by overseas clubs, and that's a concern for the Milan giants.

However, Ausilio told Sky Sport Italia that talks are ongoing and the club don't feel pressured to hurry to an agreement (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio).

"Icardi's renewal? We are working on it," the sporting director said. "We aren't hiding that fact. We saw each other and talked. We aren't in a rush."

Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Ausilio's positive update comes after Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, said the parties had yet to start talks over an extension, per Tiki Taka (h/t Burton). Burton added that the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United have been linked with moves for the player.

Icardi is a talisman for Inter, having taken on the captain's armband in 2015 and proved to be one of the best strikers in the game during his time at the San Siro.

He is also making strides towards becoming one of the Nerazzurri's all-time great goalscorers:

This season, he struggled to get off to a fast start in an Inter team that underwent major changes in the summer, but he has started to find form again in recent weeks.

Icardi's brace on Sunday helped Inter to a win over SPAL, meaning he has now scored five goals in his past five games. For Inter's hopes of thriving in Serie A and in the UEFA Champions League, it's vital he continues this sort of form.

Inter appear to be going in the right direction, with Icardi making his first appearance in the Champions League this term:

There will be other teams looking at his consistency in front of goal in recent years and thinking that the release clause represents decent value in an ever-inflating transfer market.

Madrid, in particular, are having issues at the point of the attack. Karim Benzema is a little past his best, Gareth Bale continues to be hampered by injury issues and they lack a ruthless goalscorer in the final third following Cristiano Ronaldo's summer departure to Juventus.

Icardi has shown e can provide that edge, although it's also clear he has an affinity with an improving Inter Milan team. All parties appear relaxed that an agreement will be reached, but the club will surely look to extend his terms and increase the release clause before the end of the campaign.