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From Italy: Arsenal want to sign controversial attacker in bargain £9m deal

By mac14 on May 30, 2018

According to reports in Italy via the Metro, Arsenal are looking to secure the shock signing of Mario Balotelli in a bargain £9m deal from Nice this summer.

I’m sure you all know the name Balotelli as he played in the Premier League for Manchester City and Liverpool before joining Nice in 2016 following a loan spell at AC Milan.

The 27-year-old has proven to be an excellent signing for the Ligue 1 outfit as he’s scored 43 goals in 66 appearances over the past two seasons and he’s even played his way back in to the Italian national team.

New Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini called-up Balotelli to his latest squad and the striker scored during a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Monday night, which was his first start for Italy in four years.

It seems Balotelli’s form has caught Arsenal’s attention as the Metro are citing La Gazetta dello Sport as saying we are keen to sign the striker in a surprise deal this summer.

The Italian newspaper suggests that Arsenal are set to bid for Balotelli with Nice ready to sell for just £9m but we’ll face competition from Borussia Dortmund and Marseille for his signature.

The Italian attacker is understood to be keen to leave France so that would leave Dortmund as our main competition but Super-Mario has a soft spot for Arsenal, judging by his comments back in 2016.

The Metro quote him as saying:

“[If I go back to England] it would not be to Liverpool. Because I found myself [performing] very bad in Liverpool. I said the team was good and the fans are amazing, but I would never go back to Liverpool.

“The first one I think in England is Manchester City, and the second team I always like is Arsenal. That doesn’t mean I’ll go to play there. I just like them.”

Balotelli would certainly be an interesting signing but it would be a huge mistake if you ask me. Trouble has followed him throughout his career and he’s the kind of controversial star we need to avoid right now.

READ: Arsenal eyeing £20m swoop for Juventus star

Arsenal are at the start of a new era under Unai Emery and we need to focus on getting things right on the pitch, so the last thing we need is Balotelli causing trouble.

Plus, I just don’t see a striker being a priority unless one of our current crop are leaving this summer. Even though £9m would be a bargain in today’s market, we should be using that money to strengthen other areas.