Wenger to hold Balotelli talks

The Frenchman is set to meet with the striker's agent, Mino Raiola, on Saturday to discuss a deal to bring the Italy international back to the Premier League

Arsene Wenger will meet with Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola on Saturday as Arsenal close in on the €31 million signing of the Italy striker, Goal understands. Wenger is currently in Brazil working as a pundit for French TV and will hold talks with Raiola in an attempt to broker the Gunnders' first major deal of the summer. Having seen Bacary Sagna leave on a free transfer to Manchester City and resisted the temptation to activate the buyback clause in Cesc Fabregas' Barcelona contract, Wenger is now primed to make use of the €122 million warchest it was revealed he would have at his disposal this summer. Wenger is ready to spend up to €31m on the 25-year-old former Manchester City striker, who has scored 28 goals in 51 appearances for AC Milan since returning to Serie A in January 2013. The Gunners boss is understood to be in the market for a marquee striker again this summer after missing out on the likes of Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain 12 months ago, leaving Olivier Giroud as the club’s only recognised senior centre-forward. Raiola revealed earlier on Tuesday that "anything is possible" regarding the possibility of Balotelli signing for Arsenal during the close season. "Arsenal are a fantastic club," he told Sky Sports when asked about the report. "Only eight or 10 clubs in the world can afford Mario Balotelli - like all premium players, and he is one of the greatest. "[Will the move happen?] Anything is possible." Balotelli was on the scoresheet for his country against England in Manaus, netting the winner as the Azzurri got off to a strong start in Group D.