Arsenal mulling deal for Balotelli as AC Milan ready to sell Italian striker

Premier League side Arsenal are reportedly considering a deal for AC Milan star Mario Balotelli as the Italian side is ready to sell their eccentric striker just 18 months after they bought him from Manchester City.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has remained a long time admirer of the Italian, even though Balotelli's troublesome reputation during his spell at his former club Manchester City where the striker reportedly became one of the Premier League's most colourful characters

According to the Mirror, Balotelli, who joined Milan from City for a 24 million-pounds just 18 months ago, has left the Italian giants strapped for cash and they are looking to cash in on their striker and cut their wage bill with the forward keen on returning to England after becoming surplus to the club's requirements.

City had sold Balotelli, who has scored 30 goals in 54 games at Milan, reportedly after a string of bust-ups after the striker clashed with former boss Roberto Mancini and also set off fireworks in his bathroom, causing the Fire Brigade to be called.

Wenger, who had actually tried to bag Balotelli before he went to City from Inter Milan back in 2009, had said that he is particularly keeping an eye out for Balotelli, a player he likes very much, as in his view he can be one of the best.