Gunners boss Arsene Wenger: 'Sometimes the rumours are created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it’s not true'

Published: 26 June, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has distanced himself from any talk that Arsenal are about to make a big-money bid for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli. 

The Gunners’ boss is believed to have prioritised finding a new frontman this summer to help take the goal-getting burden off the shoulders of French forward Olivier Giroud. 

Balotelli has been billed as a top target, with reports suggesting that Wenger would be willing to pay close to £30million for the Italian international, offering him wages of £180,000-a-week in the process. 

The Frenchman has, however, played down talk of an imminent approach for the former Manchester City forward, branding the story “pure invention”. Wenger told beIN Sports: “We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on the internet or in the papers.

“Sometimes the rumours are created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it’s not true.”

While Arsenal are claiming to hold no interest in Balotelli, Milan have admitted that if a big-money bid comes in they would be willing to part with the talented 23-year-old.

Vice-president Barbara Berlusconi told the club’s official website: “Balotelli is a great player.

“But the way I see it, I don’t believe that someone can be irreplaceable. We will see what happens.”