Arsenal’s hope of signing AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli is still alive after the Italian star admitted that he will decide over his club future after the end of the World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been a surprise target for the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger as the North London club are desperately looking for a strike partner for Olivier Giroud, who is their only recognised striker in the squad.
The Independent reported Arsenal are ready to offer Balotelli £180,000-a-week in order to join the Emirates club in the summer transfer window. The former Manchester City man is currently with the Italian squad in Brazil for the World Cup and admitted that he wants to do well in the summer tournament without any pressure.
“I’m concentrating on the national team and the World Cup. What comes later, we will see. I know nothing,” Balotelli said.
“I’m experiencing this tournament with a great piece of mind. I experience no pressure, nor anything of the sort.”
“I want to go as far as I can in the World Cup and score as many goals as possible. But the important thing is that the team wins. For me, the World Cup is more important than the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or.”
“I hope it’s not Mario’s World Cup, but Italy’s World Cup. I don’t want to be the star, I want the team to win,” Milan striker concluded.
Meanwhile, the player’s agent Mino Raiola is aware of the recent rumours linking his client to Arsenal and has done nothing to cool the recent reports.
“Arsenal is a fantastic club in London,” Balotelli’s agent Raiola told Sky Sports.
“Only 10 clubs in the world maximum could afford Mario – like all premium players and he is one of the greatest. I won’t make any further comment until after the transfer window closes.”
The Italian international’s behaviour on and off the field has been a matter of worry for every club he has played so far. Wenger will have to tame him in order to get the best out of him, while also making sure his antics would not harm the Gunners, if they decide to sign him this summer.
What do you think? Arsenal and Arsene Wenger need to sign Mario Balotelli? Leave your views in the comment section.
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