Balotelli to Arsenal is pure invention, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has denied any truth in rumours linking Mario Balotelli with a move to Arsenal.

The Italian striker has been mooted as a potential Gunners target this summer – a possibility which has been played up by the player’s agent Mino Raiola.

However, with reports of a £27 million deal edging closer, Wenger has seemingly moved to deny any interest in the AC Milan forward.

When quizzed over the speculation, Wenger told beIN Sports World Cup show that it was ‘pure invention’.

He added: ‘We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on the internet or in the papers. Sometimes it is created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it’s not true.’

While the Frenchman has been known to publicly mask his desire to sign certain players, the denial of any interest in Balotelli will come as little surprise, with the former Manchester City man being a far cry from Wenger’s usual transfer targets.