Mario Balotelli’s lack of “behavioural improvement” makes a switch from AC Milan to Arsenal unlikely, according to a leading Italian transfer expert.
Gianluca Di Marzio told Night & Day that concerns about the 23-year-old’s temperament were not eased by his displays during the World Cup for Italy, who exited the tournament last night following a 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Di Marzio feels Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is renowned for his research of every potential signing, could walk away from the mooted transfer as the Frenchman may view ex-Manchester City forward Balotelli as a risk.
He said: “After the World Cup played by Mario Balotelli his reputation has decidedly fallen, almost collapsed.
“All clubs who wanted to see his behavioural improvements will be left disappointed, will continue to have a lot of doubts about the footballer.
“Knowing Wenger, who carries out technical studies on every sphere of a player, at this point I am not sure that Arsenal would be interested in Balotelli.”
The enigmatic hitman left City at the start of last year after several high-profile bust-ups with team-mates and then-manager Roberto Mancini on the training ground.
He still has three years remaining on his current contract at the San Siro but the club could cash in as they look to fund incoming transfers.