Arsenal transfer news: Roberto Mancini on Mauro Icardi - 'I do not read newspapers or watch TV, just porn!'

The Argentina ace has been linked with a move to either Arsenal or West Ham United

Roberto Mancini (GETTY IMAGES)

Roberto Mancini insists he is not concerned about the possibility of losing Mauro Icardi at Internazionale, confessing he spends more time watching porn than reading up on transfer rumours.

The Italian made the eye-opening admission as reports continue to link Icardi, the 23-year-old Argentinian ace at the centre of his Inter project, with a move to either Arsenal or West Ham United.

Icardi’s wife poured fuel onto the rumours this week when she claimed there have been “many offers” from clubs including Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Roma, but Mancini is unperturbed by the latest developments.

“I have not seen the news you mentioned, I have not read anything,” the former Manchester City manager said. “I do not know why say anything. I’m just a coach and this is not an issue about me.

“He is doing the training and showing endeavour, for me this is important. I do not read newspapers, do not listen to radio, I do not watch TV or private channels ... just porn!”

After composing himself, the 51-year-old returned to more serious matters and confirmed the aim for his Inter side must always be to win the Serie A title after finishing fourth last season.

He added: “All I can say is that he's working really hard in training - other stuff doesn't matter to me. What I care about is that he plays and scores lots of goals, that's all.

“For me, all the players that form the core of my team are not for sale at any price, but I can't talk for other people.

“I'm the coach and it's my job to work with the players I have available to me. We've been working well up to now and all the lads have been putting in lots of effort.

“We've laid some good foundations and added some quality players that half of Europe would love to get their hands on. It's not easy to build a new team but we have a strong, solid side now and I don't think we're far off.

“Our aim is to do better than last year. We want to get back in the Champions League but Inter must always aim for the top.”