Arsene Wenger dismisses Mario Balotelli rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that there is no truth in rumours that AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli could move to the Emirates Stadium.

Balotelli, who scored 18 goals in 41 appearances at the San Siro during the last campaign, has frequently been linked with a return to England, with Wenger said to be interested in signing the 23-year-old.

However, speaking to beIN Sports, for whom he is a pundit during the World Cup, Wenger has stated that stories reporting his interest in the Italian international is "pure invention".

Wenger is likely to strengthen his attack during the summer after playing last season without a regular backup to Olivier Giroud.