He might not be going to the Copa América as one of Gerardo Martino’s Argentina strikers but Mauro Icardi has finished the season on a high. The 22-year-old scored twice in Inter Milan’s 4-3 win over Empoli on the final day of the Italian league season to finish as Serie A’s leading scorer. Icardi’s 22 goals in 33 games left him top of the pile, level with veteran striker, Luca Toni. His scoring exploits and final day victory only helped Inter to an eighth place finish but in spite of the lack of European football next season, Icardi is keen to remain in Milan.

A new deal is still not agreed but Icardi’s desire to stay with Inter will come as a blow to a number of suitors, including Chelsea and Manchester United. Icardi told Sky Sport Italia: “Everybody wants to play in Europe, but I’m happy here with Inter.”

He added, “I hope we can keep getting better and the club are working on building an even more competitive squad next season.

“I’ve always said that I want to stay with Inter. My contract renewal’s not so straightforward, but we are working on it and I’m confident. I think there will be more news in the coming week.

“Hopefully we will reach a point where we can sign and all be more relaxed about things. We will sort it all out soon, at the latest after the holidays.”

As an Argentine leading scorer of Italian football, Icardi puts himself among esteemed company. Only three others have been named Serie A top goal scorer and they are Diego Maradona in 1987/88, Gabriel Batistuta in 1994/95 and Hernán Crespo in 2000/01. If Icardi comes close to matching the careers of those three then Inter and Argentina will be very pleased.

Until any new contract with Inter is signed the speculation over Icardi’s future will continue but this recent record will see any interested party have to offer a huge amount. His absence from the national side, highlights the strength in Argentina’s squad in attack, but surely Gerardo Martino will be unable to ignore the 22-year-old for much longer.