AC Milan have refuted the weekend’s reports that star striker Mario Balotelli is set to join the Gunners in a deal worth £15.8 million.

Galliani Speaks

Arsenal Latest revealed yesterday that, speaking ahead of a pre-season match, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani said,

“I can deny reports of an Arsenal offer for Balotelli, we haven’t received anything.”

According to The Mirror however, when pressed on the issue of Balotelli’s sale, he went on to add,

“But would €20million (£15.8m) be enough? Well without an offer there is no point talking about hypotheses."

The CEO’s comments suggest that the Italian outfit would be willing to negotiate a reasonable price for the Italian enigma, but it looks as though Arsenal have ruled out any deal.

Arsène Rules Out Deal

After the sides first pre-season game of the summer, Arsène Wenger was adamant that,

“Up front we don’t need any more.”

The manager may be trying to act coy on the transfer front, but admitted,

“We need a goalkeeper for sure and after that it depends on how our midfielders get through without injuries until the start of the season.”

“Maybe at centre-back we’ll still bring one in.”

It looks as though Arsenal’s reported interest in Mario Balotelli is coming to a close and it is thought the side will focus their efforts this week in signing Nice goalkeeper David Ospina.

Italian Invasion

Although Balotelli has been ruled out indirectly by the Arsenal manager, he has acted distant on many big transfers in the past, but this may be one step too far.

The attacking line-up would be more than complete with the Italian’s signature, but with Theo Walcott coming back to full fitness and Alexis Sanchez’ arrival, it is responsible to focus on the defensive areas of the team in the coming weeks.

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