Gunners after Super Mario

LONDON. — Arsenal have intensified their interest in AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italy international features highly on Arsene Wenger’s shopping list as the manager looks to sign a new central striker.In fact, Arsenal are poised to make a £27million offer for Balotelli after manager Arsene Wenger reportedly gave the green light to the transfer.

Balotelli has been strongly linked with a switch to Arsenal in recent weeks, with the Gunners in desperate need of a world-class striker for next season.

Wenger had seemed to privately rule it out a fortnight ago, fearing his attitude could ruin the dressing room, but has now apparently warmed to the idea.

And reports in Italy say Arsenal are poised to make an offer of about £27million in the coming days.

AC Milan will likely try to resist all attempts to lure their leading light away, but Arsenal believe he wants another crack at the English Premier League and a deal could be done.

Balotelli has also been linked with Chelsea in recent months but it’s thought that Arsenal are in pole position to sign him if a fee can be agreed with Milan.

And Gunners chiefs have now made initial overtures with regards to a move for the former Manchester City striker.

Arsenal want to find out what the cost of the deal would be before fully pursuing a swoop for Balotelli.

AC Milan are keen to offload the striker as they look to ease their wage bill this summer. Arsenal have been made aware of Balotelli’s availability and are ready to strike if the deal makes financial sense.

Balotelli’s agent says that “anything is possible” as regards a rumoured transfer to Arsenal for his client.

The Daily Mirror claims that the Gunners are preparing a £25 million bid for the AC Milan striker, currently on World Cup duty with Italy, and Mino Raiola indicated that it was a welcome link. “Arsenal are a fantastic club,” he told Sky Sports when asked about the report. “Only eight or 10 clubs in the world can afford Mario Balotelli – like all premium players, and he is one of the greatest. “(Will the move happen?) Anything is possible.” The former Manchester City striker has scored 28 goals in 51 appearances for the Rossoneri since returning to Serie A in January 2013. —Metro-Mailonline.