Report: AC Milan eye Joel Campbell as Mario Balotelli replacement

AC Milan have reportedly identified Arsenal starlet Joel Campbell as an ideal replacement for Liverpool-bound Mario Balotelli.

The Italian is widely believed to be nearing a £16m switch to Anfield in a move that will leave Milan light on striking options.

According to The Mirror, Campbell has emerged as a loan target for the Serie A giants, who will contact the Gunners next week in a bid to thrash out a deal.

The Rossoneri are also understood to be willing to pay the 22-year-old's wages for the duration of his season-long stay in Milan in an effort to persuade Arsenal to approve the move.

Should the move materialise, it would represent Campbell's fourth loan spell away from the Emirates Stadium following stints at Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos.