Real Madrid target Mauro Icardi has revealed a “desire to stay” at Internazionale amid repeat links about a move away.

Icardi, 25, cemented his status as one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers this term by striking 29 times in 34 Serie A matches. One of these goals in Sunday’s thrilling clash at Lazio helped the Nerazzurri snatch Champions League qualification from Lazio’s grasp thanks to a 3-2 triumph against them at Stadio Olimpico.

The current contract of the lethal centre forward – likely to be missing from Argentina’s World Cup 2018 squad – holds a €110 million (Dh474.5m) release clause. But speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the pivotal result in Rome, it doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere.

He said: “Now I’ll talk to the club, where we can find the best solution and decide together, but you know my desire to stay. I’m Inter’s No1 fan.

“New house in Milan? It’s all been arranged.

“When it’s ready, we’ll have a barbecue there. The fact that we’ve bought a new house here in Milan is a sign.”