Mario Balotelli
Reuters

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly considering a shock move for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The controversial Italy international had left Manchester City and moved back to his homeland with the Rossoneri in January and has been in great goal scoring form so far. However, it is understood that the 23-year-old has been involved in several fall-outs with the club of late, as well as being a regular target of racist abuse from opposition fans.

Milan are now open to selling Balotelli for a cut-price deal of around £12m, according to the Daily Mail. The report also claims Liverpool and Arsenal are now weighing up an approach for the player, when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.

The Gunners are expected to be in the market for a talismanic forward in January, after missing out on Gonzalo Higuain and failing to land Luis Suarez in the summer. The clinical Balotelli is an exciting option for Arsene Wenger but it would be interesting to see if the Frenchman would continue his pursuit of the former City star, given the player's history of controversies.

Liverpool, on the other hand, might need to find a replacement for the unsettled Suarez, if a European giant - such as Real Madrid - makes an offer for him next summer. Club captain Steven Gerrard recently stated the Reds would not stand in the Uruguayan's way, if a big club comes in for him next year.

Balotelli could also be open to a move to Anfield, as he considers the club's supporters as the most exciting in the world. His Italy team-mate Fabio Borini, who joined Liverpool from Roma last summer, had revealed that his compatriot had recommended him to join the Reds.

"The fans played a big part [in me joining Liverpool]. When I was with Italy at Euro 2012, I was talking to Balotelli about England, and he told me that Liverpool had the most exciting fans to play in front of. He described it as a beautiful experience," Borini had pointed out.

Balotelli, who joined Milan for €20m - plus add-ons - from City, has scored 15 goals from 17 Serie A appearances for the club so far.

Real Madrid