Italy and Costa Rica stars to switch clubs this summer
Published:
Mario Balotelli’s projected move to Arsenal has moved a step closer with AC Milan registering an interest in the Gunners Costa Rican star Joel Campbell.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made no attempt to disguise his bid to sign Balotelli but the traditional Wenger stumbling block that is parting with large sums of money could now be easily hurdled.
Reports now suggest that Serie A giants Milan are willing to reduce their £27m asking price for the former Manchester City man if striker Joel Campbell, who impressed on loan at Olympiakos last season, goes in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
Both strikers will be given a chance to prove their worth to their prospective new clubs tonight as Italy face Costa Rica in a game that could decide England’s World Cup fate.
A draw between the two would send the Three Lions home at the earliest exit point for the first time since 1958 but the fate of Roy’s boys will be far from either player’s minds.
Balotelli, a controversial player at the best of times, had been flying largely under the radar at the World Cup until requesting a kiss form the Queen, keeping his head down and making all the right noises with his winner in the opening game against England.
The Azzurri striker is set to lead the line once again tonight and Ladbrokes has given him the boost treatment, enhancing his first goal scorer odds from 7/2 to 4/1.
The 23-year-old is odd’s on to score anytime at 10/11 but after sealing proceedings last time out the 7/2 on him scoring last could prove the value bet.
On the other side of the coin hoping to fire his team into the lead is Campbell.
Largely unknown by anyone outside of the Emirates the 21-year-old pierced the mainstream consciousness with a well taken Champions League goal against Manchester United last term.
He impressed in is country’s surprise 3-1 win over Uruguay and can be backed at 5/2 to net against Italy at any time during the 90 minutes.
But with the Costa Rican netting in his side’s World Cup opener and clearly in form many could be tempted by the longer odds of 8/1 on him opening the scoring in Recife.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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