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Joel Campbell has emerged as a loan ­target for AC Milan as they step up their search for Mario Balotelli’s ­replacement .

Balotelli is in advanced talks over a £16million move to Liverpool and San Siro chiefs have identified the Arsenal striker as his successor.

Milan’s interest has been relayed to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger – via the ­player’s agent – and the Italians hope to set up a meeting with the Emirates club this week to see if a deal can be struck.

The Serie A side will offer to pay Campbell’s wages in full in the hope of convincing the north London side to rubber stamp the season-long switch of the 22-year-old.

Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez was another ­option for Milan, whose city rivals Inter were also keen on the Mexico forward, but he is ­closing in on a move to Juventus after also rejecting a bid from Southampton.

Wenger has not yet given Milan any indication as to his plans for Campbell, who was one of Costa Rica’s stars at the World Cup finals.

Decision

Hotline understands he will wait until after the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League qualifier against Besiktas this week before making a decision on the Italian giants’ offer.

Campbell joined Arsenal from Deportivo Saprissa in his homeland in 2011 and has ­enjoyed loan spells at Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiacos – where he scored against ­Manchester United in the ­Champions League.

Galatasaray have also shown an interest in the player this summer, but Arsenal told them he was not for sale.