Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest in AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli and Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford him, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
QS claims the ex-Manchester City hitman is ready to leave the San Siro but is rapidly running out of options following a typically enigmatic World Cup campaign for his national side.
He got off to a good start by heading the winner in Italy’s 2-1 triumph over England, but cut a frustrated figure in successive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Costa Rica and Uruguay and was hauled off by head coach Cesare Prandelli.
His petulant behaviour is said to have caused long-term admirers Arsenal to think twice about firming up their interest with a bid, while Chelsea have other irons in the fire as they search for a partner for Diego Costa.
Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini, who is in charge of player recruitment at White Hart Lane, is believed to be keen on luring the 23-year-old to north London.
However, the lack of Champions League football and last summer’s heavy spending means Spurs are unlikely to be able to meet Balotelli’s salary expectations and Milan’s valuation of the player.
To make matters worse for the former Blues star, QS reveals Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco have not expressed an interest in signing him this summer.