Why always me? Balotelli TV spat leads to north London link

Mario Balotelli, a 33/1 shot with Coral to be top scorer at the World Cup in Brazil this summer, may be sold by AC Milan after the controversial striker got embroiled in a televised spat with pundits.

Tabloid reports claim this could be the last straw for maverick frontman Balotelli at the club he supported as a boy, with Rossoneri head coach Clarence Seedorf set to make sweeping changes this summer.

North London neighbours Arsenal (odds-on favourites to win the FA Cup next month at 2/7) and Tottenham have been touted as possible destinations for Balotelli, who reacted to criticism that he hadn’t yet proved himself as a top player.

“I never said I’m a top player,” began Balotelli’s rebuttal after being substituted in the 2-0 defeat by Roma. “I am a perfectly normal player, it will take time to become world class, but the reasons why I am not a top player are not the same reasons you think.

“You always talk about me. When Milan win Mario’s great, [but] when Milan lose it’s all Mario’s fault. You expect me to score five goals a game. I don’t need your criticism, I make my own criticism.”

Such an unpredictable, yet characteristic, outburst from former Manchester City attacker Balotelli has reportedly not gone down well with the Rossoneri hierarchy. He is the club’s top scorer with 18 in 38 games in all competitions but, after such a dismal season for the red half of the San Siro, no player is indispensable.

Milan could still qualify for next term’s Europa League, but must accrue more points than Parma from their remaining games, because if they finish level with them, then they will miss out on their head-to-head record against them.

Gunners gaffer Arsene Wenger needs another striking option at the Emirates to relieve the goal burden placed on Olivier Giroud. Arsenal tackle out of form Newcastle United at home next, and are odds-on at 3/10 to beat them.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, meanwhile, is thought to be in the market for another top forward this summer. Tottenham are 80/1 outsiders for a top four finish, but would either they or their neighbours put up with the antics of Balotelli if they brought him back to England?