Balotelli linked with summer exit from Milan after World Cup ends.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied any truth in the rumours suggesting that Mario Balotelli could move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
While the 23-year-old has been linked with joining the Gunners, a possibility played up by his agent Mino Raiola in recent weeks, it appears as though Wenger is not interested in signing the Italian international.
When asked about the speculation, Wenger told the beIN Sports World Cup show that it was ‘pure invention’, as reported by Metro.
Although Wenger is traditionally keen to avoid discussing transfer news with the media prior to announcing a deal, a move for Balotelli would seem out of character given the possible problems the controversial star could bring to the club.
The former Manchester City striker scored 14 goals in Serie A last season, but in an emotional campaign during which he continued to be criticised, his World Cup also ended in disappointment with Italy being eliminated in the group stages.
Balotelli was singled out for criticism by both team-mates and the media following the defeat to Uruguay, and after being mooted as a potential star of the tournament, he will now return home to face further recrimination over failing to have an impact aside from his goal against England in the opening game.
Nevertheless, reports continue to suggest that a £27m deal is close to being agreed, and it remains to be seen whether or not Wenger is merely deflecting attention away from talks or he is indeed not interested in signing the Milan striker.
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