Milan Demand Arsenal Include Joel Campbell in Mario Balotelli Deal

AC Milan have urged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to sacrifice youngster Joel Campbell in order to secure a cut-price deal for Mario Balotelli, reports in Italy claim.

The former Manchester City striker is understood to be Wenger's first choice as he attempts to bolster his attack this summer with reports last week claiming the Gunners are set to pay around £25m to secure his services.

Italian newspaper TuttoSport claim that although Milan are likely to cash-in on Balotelli for a fee of £28m they are even more keen for the Gunners to include Campbell as part of the deal.

However, Wenger recently suggested he is unlikely to part ways with the Costa Rican starlet, after he scored a superb goal in his side's opening World Cup game against Uruguay.

'He is maturing well. He will definitely come back to us for pre-season,' the Arsenal manager said.

Meanwhile, Balotelli and Campbell are likely to face each other on Friday when Italy and Costa Rica meet in their second World Cup game.

Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has also been quick to fuel speculation regarding the striker's return to the Premier League in recent days, telling reporters: "Arsenal is a fantastic club in London. Will a transfer happen? Anything is possible.

"Only 10 clubs in the world maximum could afford Mario – like all premium players and he is one of the greatest. I won't make any further comment until after the transfer window closes."

Balotelli left Manchester City in January 2013 but after Milan suffered another disappointing campaign in Serie A he is likely to move away.

Nevertheless, should a deal for the Milan striker collapse, Metro reports that Arsenal are also monitoring Chelsea target Mario Mandzukic with the Bayern Munich star looking for a new club after confirming his intention to leave the Allianz Arena.