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Controversial AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has claimed he has lost out on £28m because of Mario Balotelli's poor performances at the World Cup.
Berlusconi claims a €35m (£27.7m) deal to "a top English club", believed to be Arsenal, has stalled because the 23-year-old was lacklustre in Brazil.
"Other than Italy, I’m the one who lost at the World Cup," Gazzetta Dello Sport report Berlusconi said at a political meeting.
"I was selling Balotelli to an English team for several millions, but, after this World Cup, who will buy him now?
Show all 14 1 /14Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Sami Khedira The World Cup winner looks to be heading to the Emirates if the reports are to be believed, as the Real Madrid midfielder looks set for a £26m switch to the Gunners. Having turned down a new contract and just a year remaining on his current deal, Khedira could soon be Arsenal's latest big-name signing.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Douglas Costa Costa is one of six Brazilian players refusing to return to Shaktar Donetsk due to the increasing political unrest in Ukraine. Arsene Wenger is reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, with the Gunners reported to be preparing a move for the attacking midfielder.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Morgan Schneiderlin Schneiderlin is a transfer target for the Gunners' fierce rivals Tottenham, but Arsenal are reported to have held talks with the 25-year-old Frenchman over a move that would see him snub Spurs. The midfielder would fill the defensive role that Arsenal are currently lacking.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets John Ruddy The Norwich goalkeeper would be a shock signing for Arsenal, but rumours have linked the England stopper with a move. Arsenal do need another goalkeeper to replace Lukasz Fabianski, but it is worth noting that Ruddy was part of a side that were relegated last season and conceded the third highest number of goals. The arrival of David Ospina has made it even less likely.
Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Iker Casillas Another goalkeeper linked with Arsenal this summer is Real Madrid stopper Casillas. He's not been the favourite at the Bernabeu for a couple of seasons now and his disastrous World Cup has led to speculation he could move on. Again, the arrival of Ospina makes Arsenal's need for him not so desperate, but Wenger may not want to pass up the chance to sign such an experienced keeper.
Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Michy Batshuayi The Standard Liege star has already stated that he expects to leave at the end of the season, preferring to move to either England or Germany and recently admitting that Arsenal are his favourite team. The 20-year-old striker is the top scorer in the Belgian league this season. Batshuayi can also operate on the wing and has been linked with Everton and Napoli. Arsenal are said to be willing to pay his release clause, which is understood to be £6.5m.
Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Javi Martinez Arsenal are believed to be one of a number of clubs looking at Bayern Munich defender/midfielder Martinez should he become available in the summer. He would not come cheaply though, given the Bavarian club activated his €40m release fee to sign him in 2012.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Julian Draxler A move during the January transfer window failed to materialise over Draxler's £37m release clause with Arsenal unwilling to pay the hefty fee, according to Schalke's sporting director. The German international was also said to be a target for Bayern Munich in case Toni Kroos failed to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga champions. However, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled out a summer move for the highly-rated 20-year-old. Arsenal will have to change their stance over the transfer fee to acquire the attacker with several big clubs interested.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Juanfran With Bacary Sagna confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Arsenal look short in the right-back department. A reported £9m move for Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran was rejected, but the Gunners could return for his services should they up their bid.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Josip Drmic Arsenal have been linked with the Nurnberg striker recently after Lothar Matthaus claimed on Sky Germany that the Gunners had already signed the 21-year-old. Wenger is said to be keen to bring in the Swiss striker before the World Cup this summer. Drmic is a wanted man after scoring 16 goals in the Bundesliga this season despite his club battling against relegation. Drmic, who has three-years left on his current deal, is reported to have a release clause of less than £5m. Only Bayern Munich star Mario Mandzukic, Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski and Hertha Berlin striker Adrian Ramos have scored more league goals than Drmic this season.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Sebastian Jung Eintracht Frankfurt defender Jung has been monitored by Arsenal this season. The 23-year-old has been one of their best players this season as the Bundesliga side recovered from a bad start to move clear of the relegation battle once they were eliminated from the Europa League. The German could be available for a fee in the region of £2m but the Gunners may face competition from Wolfsburg.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Atsuto Uchida Uchida will travel to Brazil for the World Cup as part of Japan's national team, but the Schalke defender could see himself become the subject of interest from Arsenal as they seek a replacement for Bacary Sagna.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Salomon Kalou The former Chelsea forward, currently at Lille in France, is interested in a return to the Premier League. To the dismay of Arsenal fans the Ivory Coast international has been linked once again to a move to the Emirates. Kalou could be available for a fee in the region of £2.5m this summer despite still having two years remaining on his current deal at the Ligue 1 side.
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Arsenal transfer talk: Potential summer targets Juan Quintero Having impressed at the World Cup, Quintero could be on the move just 12 months after joining Porto. Arsenal have been linked with a £15.8m bid for the Colombia midfielder who impressed at the World Cup.
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"I was going to sell it to a top English club for €35 million, now the deal has stalled."
Balotelli scored in Italy's opening 2-1 win against England, but failed to find the target against Costa Rica and Uruguay as Cesare Prandelli's men were eliminated at the group stage.
Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola last week said the former Manchester City striker was "sad" in Milan after he was blamed for Italy's early exit.
"Mario is sad, desperate," he said. "Only Galliani has defended him while the FIGC (Italian football federation) remains absolutely silent."
Balotelli has scored 30 goals in 54 matches since moving back to Italy in January 2013, but has been the subject of racist abuse.
Arsenal are now being linked with a big money move for Barcelona and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez.
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