Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, according to the Sun.

The Argentinian international has been stripped of the captaincy with manager Luciano Spalletti having handed the armband to goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Consequently, Icardi did not feature for the Nerazzurri against Rapid Vienna in the 1-0 win last night.

It is believed a breakdown in negotiations over a new contract are the root cause of the dispute, with Inter refusing to pay the £170,000 a week that Icardi is demanding.

The 25-year-old’s current deal expires in 2021 so there is no urgency to sell the Argentine, but the reported disintegration of the relationship between the player and the club could lead to a parting of ways.

Whether Chelsea would indeed be interested in Icardi, it remains to be seen. The Blues currently have Gonzalo Higuain on loan until the end of the season but the Juve striker’s future beyond the summer is uncertain.

Icardi has scored 15 goals in 28 appearances this season and has also been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.