Currently in the process of trying to find a way out from Nice, Mario Balotelli was said to be close to signing for rivals Marseille.
However, if TuttoMercatoWeb are to be believed, West Ham and Manuel Pellegrini are trying to scupper that plan amid the uncertainty surrounding Marko Arnautovic’s future.
The Austria international has received an important offer from China, which the Hammers are yet to accept, and the Italian website believe the Chilean manager has enquired, over the past few weeks, about the former Manchester City striker’s situation.
Over in Serie A, Genoa are reportedly interested, as their star striker Krzysztof Piatek edges closer to a move to AC Milan, and Balotelli is said to be ready to lower his wage demands to return to Italy.
Currently on €5m/year post tax in Nice, which equates to around £85k/week post tax, the 28-year-old’s ‘preference’ is reportedly a return to Serie A, and it appears it will be up to West Ham to change his mind if Pellegrini convinces the club’s board to move for the Italy international.
One to keep an eye on, depending on what happens with Arnautovic.
