Arsenal have reportedly cooled their interest in bringing Mario Balotelli back to England after learning of the AC Milan striker's £100,000-per-week wage demands.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the former Manchester City star, although Rossoneri chief executive Adriano Galliani has insisted that they have yet to receive any offers for him.
Milan are believed to be willing to sell him and Arsene Wenger may yet make a move for the Italian after failing in his pursuit of Liverpool-bound Queens Park Rangers forward Loic Remy.
Arsenal were apparently deterred by Remy's lofty salary requirements and the Daily Mail claims that the same stumbling block could prevent Balotelli's potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The 23-year-old is said to want £5m per year after tax to join the North London outfit, who would also have to pay around £16m to secure the services of a marksman who scored 16 goals last season.