The striker insists he wants to stay at the club and help to challenge for trophies next season

Inter striker Mauro Icardi says he is close to agreeing a contract extension at San Siro.

The 21-year-old has been the consistent star of the Nerazzurri's mixed campaign so far, scoring 17 league goals - including the winner over Roma on Saturday.

Chelsea had been linked with an interest in the Argentine as speculation over his future mounted, but Icardi insists he wants to stay at the club beyond 2018, when his current deal expires.

"We're close to an agreement," he told Mediaset. "I want to stay, so it's between my agent and the club."

Icardi's winner against Rudi Garcia's side has kept alive their slim hopes of qualifying for Europe this season, but the Rosario-born forward is targeting a far stronger challenge for honours in 2015-16.

"We gave our all on the pitch, doing everything that [Roberto] Mancini asked of us, pressing them high up the pitch and scoring goals," he said.

"It was a performance that needed sacrifice from everyone and we needed the win. The club wants to become great again and that's what the history of Inter demands.

"Next year, we want to be challenging for some major targets."