Arsenal are planning an audacious bid to bring back Mario Balotelli to England next summer, just one and a half years since the sensational striker left Manchester City for AC Milan. The Gunners have however been put off by his price tag, which is reportedly set at £40 million.

In an interesting development, as Metro are reporting, the Gunners will be aided by the incoming sponsorship bonanza from Puma, who recently announced a mega partnership with the north London club.

The report suggests that Puma will be willing to pump in money for the transfer of Balotelli, who is also sponsored by the footwear giant. They want both their key brands together and are ready to finance as much as £15 million for the deal to take place.

The 23-year-old has been in red hot form for the Rossoneri, scoring 25 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions but it is unsure whether the forward would be willing to move back to England. The other question is whether Wenger is willing to work with the unpredictable star whose talent is undeniable but he is a handful to manage as he is rarely not involved in one controversy or another.