Arsene Wenger has launched a £25million bid for AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli after the Italian side’s new boss reportedly told the striker he was free to leave the San Siro.
Milan legend Clarence Seedorf was sacked and replaced with the club’s top scorer in European competition, Filippo Inzaghi, on Monday – and the 40-year-old is said to have left Balotelli out of his plans for next season.
Balotelli is famed in England for his “entertaining” spell at Manchester City where he, despite scoring 30 goals in 80 appearances, usually made the headlines for his controversial behaviour off the field and interesting conduct on it.
Goalscoring Threat
The 23-year-old grabbed his 13th career goal for his native Italy against England in Brazil on Saturday, climbing high above Gary Cahill to head the home the second in their 2-1 win. However Inzaghi, who has no prior managerial experience as he takes the helm at the Rossoneri, will listen to offers for the attacker.
He finished 7th in the Serie A top goalscorers list last season, contributing 14 as Milan flopped to an 8th place finish.
The Gunners are said to be on the lookout for fresh attacking options as lone senior striker Olivier Giroud fails to make the grade among the North London faithful. Giroud grabbed 16 goals himself in the League, however dried up as Wenger’s side wilted at the back end of the season.
Other attacking options include France’s Loic Remy, who was left on the bench for France’s 3-0 win over Honduras and Karim Benzema, who grabbed a brace along with contributing towards a Honduran own goal.
However, the rumour that kit sponsors Puma, who have signed a deal to become Arsenal’s kit makers next season and also personally sponsor Balotelli, are willing to pay part of the quoted £25million sum in order to bring their assets together at the Emirates next season.
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