Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in potentially signing Nice striker Mario Balotelli, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

What's the word?

With Unai Emery at the helm, Arsenal fans will have to wait to see how his teams shape up for the coming season.

The Spaniard, who has the pressure of being the first Arsenal boss since Arsene Wenger walked away, is sure to be mulling over his transfer options.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Balotelli is an option for the North London outfit following his impressive season with Nice.

The controversial figure, who has previously played for Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League, enjoyed somewhat of a revival in the 2017-18 campaign by scoring 26 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.

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Is Balotelli ready to come back to England?

The Italy international's last foray into English football did not end well as he failed at Liverpool.

The 27-year-old was a shock arrival at the Merseyside outfit in 2014, but he only lasted a season before joining AC Milan on loan and then permanently at Nice in 2016.

There is no doubt that Balotelli has regained form, but there is certainly an element of risk involved with a transfer to Arsenal.

Even though the striker's discipline has been much better, there is always that concern.

Emery will want a good harmony in the group, and bringing in Balotelli has the potential to disrupt it.

On the other hand, given his current form, if a cheap deal can be agreed, then he is a good option to bring on off the bench.