Rumour: Arsenal eye AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli

AC Milan’s forward Mario Balotelli

Arsenal are set to make a move for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli in the summer after Arsene Wenger failed in his pursuit of a forward in the January transfer window, according to The Metro.

The former Manchester City maverick, who recently revealed he is keen to work under Jose Mourinho again in the future, has been in excellent form since his return to Italy, despite Clarence Seedorf’s men slipping to a lowly 10th place in the Serie A table.

However, the 23 year-old’s relationship with the club’s hierarchy has broken down in recent months and Milan are now braced for summer bids for their forward as they are unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger was left frustrated in January after he missed out on several targets, including two from Italy in the form of Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella.

Wenger is now reported to be monitoring Balotelli’s often unpredictable situation with a possible view to strengthening his front line with the Italian, if he becomes available in the summer.

The Frenchman has hinted that he will be willing to spend significant funds in the summer despite the fact that loan signing Kim Kallstrom was the only arrival at The Emirates despite being linked with Schalke’s Julian Draxler.

Mario Balotelli has scored 21 goals in 29 league appearances since he signed for AC Milan last January.