AC Milan targets Eto'o as replacement for Balotelli

Reported Arsenal target striker Mario Balotelli appears to have his days numbered at AC Milan as the Serie A giants prepare themselves for his possible exit.

The Italian international has been strongly linked with a move to The Gunners this summer, with the most recent reports suggesting that Arsene Wenger is to meet with the player’s gent in Brazil over a proposed £25 million deal.

Balotelli, 23, has only been at the club for 18 months since joining from Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester City, though AC Milan’s failure to secure European football has presumably forced the declining club to sell.

His likely departure from the San Siro has taken yet another step forwards, with reports coming out of Italy stating that the Rossoneri have already made plans to replace him.

According to Calciomercato, former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o is the man earmarked for the job and contact has already begun between both parties.

The Cameroonian international striker recently left The Blues after his one-year contract had expired, ending a rather strained relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho

Despite the 33-year-old chipping in with nine Premier League goals in 21 games, he was at times criticised at Stamford Bridge for his lack of ruthlessness in-front of goal, resulting in an alleged jibe at his age leaked through French media.

Nevertheless, his goalscoring ability is evident and his age certainly hasn’t put off AC Milan as they are set to commence official negotiations with the player over the next few days.