Arsenal Summer Move for Mario Balotelli

THE GUNNERS will make a move for Mario Balotelli in the summer after Arsene Wenger met with Mino Raiola over a move for the player.

This came as 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.

Mario Balotelli cried after being subbed against Napoli

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.