18 Feb 2014 00:22:20
Reports in Italy suggest that Balotelli has become frustrated with life in Milan and is now more determined than ever to move on.

Balotelli cried when he was substituted against Napoli last week, and while he bounced back with a late goal to secure victory against Bologna on Friday, it is clear that all is not well with the Italian international.

Indeed, the 23-year-old reportedly told agent Mino Raiola that he wanted to leave in January but preliminary talks with Chelsea - about a reunion with Jose Mourinho - failed to amount to anything.

The Gunners goalless draw with Manchester United strengthened Wenger's resolve to bring in a new striker, and Balotelli remains high on the agenda.

As recently as last summer such a move seemed completely out of reach for Arsenal, with Milan said to value Balotelli at "twice the cost of Gareth Bale" - approximately £150m.

Arsene Wenger met with Mino Raiola over a move for Mario Balotelli

But a combination of factors have now made the transfer a distinct possibility.

In addition to Balotelli's dissatisfaction with life at the San Siro and Arsene Wenger's need for greater firepower, both player and club have signed sponsorship agreements with German sportswear giants Puma.

Reports last month suggested that Puma - who signed a £150m kit sponsorship deal with the Gunners earlier this season - are willing to stump up as much as £15m to bring Balotelli back to England.

Meanwhile, Milan's asking price is thought to have fallen to £40m and with Raiola - who counts Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba amongst his clients - pulling the strings a summer move cannot be ruled out any longer.


Not sure what to make of this. But I'm warming to the idea of him at Arsenal.

1.) 18 Feb 2014
It seems to me that Balotelli has problems with every club he is it at. What makes us think he won't be any different at Arsenal. I'm a bit apprehensive to be honest. If I were Wenger he would be a consideration only. He doesn't seem to be happy where ever he ends up.

2.) 18 Feb 2014
The reason ballotelli was crying when subbed was the level of racial abuse he was getting from the napoli fans, I'm a massive ballotelli fan and would love to see him play for us, he's an amazing talent and has had a lot to deal with for one so young, having Wenger as a father figure could be just the thing he needs to turn his career around

3.) 18 Feb 2014
Also, what will happen to the Draxler rumours? Wenger wants him as his next top striker, surly Balotelli will stop this happening if he were to join.