AC Milan transfer news: Mario Balotelli '£5m' pay demand might make Arsenal think twice

Mario Balotelli (FIFA)

Arsenal are allegedly keen to sign Mario Balotelli but they may not be so keen if reports of a £5m salary demand are true.

The Italy striker is demanding £5m a year after tax from his new club if he chooses to step away from AC Milan, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

The way has been cleared for him to leave AC Milan this summer and the Gunners are likely to be looking his way again after talks broke down with Loic Remy. 

But the hefty salary demand might cool off the Arsenal management's interest.  

If Arsenal were to stump up the cash and Balotelli heads to the Emirates Stadium, that would leave a pretty big gap in the AC Milan side. 

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has denied that Arsenal have even put in a bid for the 23-year-old, according to Sky Sports, and coach Filippo Inzaghi suggested no decision had been made about his future with Milan, where he has three years left on his contract. 

Inzaghi told reporters: "I am calm, Mario is an important player and I will try to help him improve.

"I will reset everything that has been said about him, I have no problem with him. I have to make the most of his ability.

"Will he leave? The club will decide. If he leaves then we will need a replacement because the centre-forwards are him and (Giampaolo) Pazzini. However, I believe that he will remain here."

What is certain is that Balotelli's immediate future is with AC Milan as Inzaghi confirmed he was in the squad heading to the US for the pre-season friendly tour.  

Balotelli, who formerly played for Manchester City, is currently on holiday in the US with his girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.

"Mario will return with willingness on the 21st (of July) and will come with us to the United States," Inzaghi told Italian TV station Sportmediaset.

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