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Arsene Wenger is on red alert to make a move for Mario Balotelli.

AC Milan are ready to offload the former Manchester City striker this summer - and Arsenal have been sounded out.

Gunners boss Wenger is a long time admirer of Balotelli, 23, despite his troublesome reputation during his spell at City where he became one of the Premier League’s most colourful characters.

Balotelli, who has scored 30 goals in 54 games at Milan, is keen to return to England after becoming

The Italian giants are strapped for cash and want to cash in on him and cut their wage bill after

City sold him after a string of bust-ups after clashing with former boss Roberto Mancini and he famously set off fireworks in his bathroom which caused the Fire Brigade to be called.

Wenger actually tried to sign Balotelli before he went to City fron Inter Milan and spoke back in 2009 of the Italy international as having potential to reach the very top.

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Wenger said: “I consider Inter an excellent squad who can do really well in the Champions League.

“In particular I am keeping an eye out for Balotelli, a player I like very much. In my view he can be one of the best.”

Balotelli’s representatives are flying out to the World Cup to try and tie up a deal during the tournament to take him back to England.

Wenger is working for French TV at the tournament and is also keen to strengthen his strike force.

, while they are also likely to take up a £10m clause to allow them to sign Queens Park Rangers hitman Loic Remy.

But if Wenger feels he can keep Balotelli in check then it is a deal which could appeal.