Milan agree to sell Mario Balotelli to Arsenal for £29 million, according to reports

Mario Balotelli close to complete a move to Arsenal

Mario Balotelli, the former Manchester City striker, has moved one step closer to making a spectacular return to England after AC Milan have agreed to sell him for £29 million, according to reports in Italy.

The eccentric Italian left the Premier League last January following a mixed spell at Eastlands but having spent just a year and a half in Serie A, it’s looking increasingly likely that the 23-year-old will grace these shores once again.

The player himself, however, earlier downplayed reports and said he was only concentrating on helping Italy advance to the knock-out stages of the World Cup.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with him as they look to bolster their ranks and Sky Italia are reporting that Balotelli’s agent met with Milan chief Adriano Galliani yesterday to discuss a move. It’s understood that he will be allowed leave if their £29 million valuation is met.

Balotelli, who is currently in Brazil, is on £150,000 a week wages at the San Siro but without European football next term, they’re looking to reduce costs and any sale over £20 million would mean they will make a profit from his transfer.

There are also suggestions that Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell would head in the opposite direction as part of the deal but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old after an impressive season on loan at Olympiacos and an impressive start to the World Cup.