Latest reports have claimed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger twice snubbed at the oppurtunity to sign Mario Balotelli. The Italian striker is all set to sign for Premier League rival Liverpool from AC Milan for a fee of £16 million, and the deal is expected to be finalised this coming Tuesday after the 24-year-old was rumoured to have completed a medical with the Merseyside club.
However, now only days before the Italian International is believed to be revealed as a Liverpool player, reports have now stated that Balotelli came tantalisingly close to a move to Arsenal after manager Arsene Wenger reportedly held talks with the 24-year-old’s agent. It is thought the main reason for Wenger turning down the chance to sign the talented forward was due to his £160,000 per-week wage demands, but reports are suggesting that Balotelli then lowered his demands to just £90,000 per-week, and with new kit sponsor Puma also offering to help with the deal, Wenger yet again snubbed at the oppurtunity.
Balotelli scored 30 goals in appearances for AC Milan, after joining the Serie A club from Manchester City back in 2013.
By Ollie Carroll
Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_