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Puma want Arsenal's Mario Balotelli deal stitched up BEFORE July 10 kit launch
PUMA are putting pressure on Arsenal to finalise a deal for Mario Balotelli before July 10 so he can feature at the Gunners' new kit launch.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the former Manchester City man this summer after AC Milan decided to let Balotelli move on.
Indeed, reports in Italy suggest the Gunners are preparing a £27m bid to beat Monaco to the 23-year-old.
It has also been suggested that Puma - who signed a long-term shirt sponsorship deal with Arsenal last season - could help fund the deal due to their endorsement deal with the Italian.
And fresh reports suggest that the German sportswear giants are pressuring Arsenal to get a deal done before July 10.
Mario Balotelli Player Profile
Puma want Mario Balotelli to feature at Arsenal's kit launch
That would enable Balotelli to play a prominent role in the new kit unveiling - something Puma are keen to capitalise on.
Arsenal shirt sales went up substantially following the capture of Mesut Ozil last summer and both club and sponsor believe Balotelli could have a similar impact this term.
It now remains to be seen whether Arsenal's negotiations with Milan go smoothly enough to enable Arsene Wenger to comply with Puma's wishes.