Mario Balotelli to Arsenal? Arsene Wenger dismisses transfer for the AC Milan striker as 'pure speculation'

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White House Correspondent

Arsene Wenger has denied that Arsenal are planning a £27m bid for the AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, dismissing the reports as "pure speculation".

The 23-year-old, who soon leave Brazil with his eliminated Italy team-mates, has been a rumoured summer target for the Gunners, who desperately need to strengthen their front line to ease the burden on strikers Olivier Giroud and Joel Campbell.

When asked about a move for the former Manchester City forward, Wenger revealed on BeIN Sport's World Cup show:

"It’s pure invention," the manager said.

"We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on the Internet or in the papers.

"Sometimes it’s created by agents or by press who needs news. But in this case, it’s not true."

It has been the summer for turning down players so far for Arsenal, who also decided against taking up their buy-back options on former players Carlos Vela and Cesc Fabregas.