AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has played down reports linking star striker Mario Balotelli with a move away from San Siro this summer.

Arsenal and Galatasaray are among those reported to be keen on signing the Italy international, but Berlusconi is confident that the 23-year-old will remain at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

"AC Milan must return to have a lead role in Italy, in Europe and in the world," he told reporters. "Balotelli? I believe that he will stay and will be part of the new team."

Balotelli, who is currently on international duty with the Azzurri ahead of the World Cup, is contracted to the Milanese outfit until 2017.