Arsenal have been linked with many different strikers already this summer, including Karim Benzema, Lorenzo Insigne and, of course, Mario Balotelli. Any of these could be feasible, although some publications have reported that Real Madrid star Benzema has stated he feels at home in the Spanish capital and so is unlikely to move away from the Bernabeau. Insigne was impressive last season for Napoli and seems like a decent young player, whilst Mario Balotelli is one of the most talked about players at any time of the season. Now is no different, with the Italy international being heavily linked with the Gunners.
For the 2014/15 campaign, Arsenal have ended their partnership with kit manufacturers Nike and have switched to Puma, who also sponsor Balotelli. Could this play a part in why he is so heavily linked to the club? Well, the Metro suggests that Puma want Balotelli’s potential move to Arsenal wrapped up by July 10th in order for him to star in the club’s new Puma kit launch. It is no secret that Arsenal are lacking strikers for the new season. Olivier Giroud is currently the only experienced frontman at the club, with the relatively raw Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell also available to be used.
Having won the title back in 2011/12 with Manchester City, Balotelli does have experience of playing in the Premier League and so would not need much time to adapt to the style of play. The big issue that has been hovering over him for his whole career is his attitude. It seemed as though Roberto Mancini finally had enough of him before the striker was sold to AC Milan in January 2013. The Italian’s behaviour could be something that Arsene Wenger will not want to have to deal with, although many people have said that since he has been playing in Italy he has sorted himself out and shown a more mature side. If this is the case, he could be a more than adequate acquisition for Arsenal in the coming season.