Arsenal Transfer News: Milan Claim They Haven't Received Bids for Balotelli; Frenchman Set to Snub Gunners

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has played down speculations about Mario Balotelli's move to Arsenal, insisting they have not received any bids from the Gunners this summer.

Balotelli, who is reportedly keen to quit Italy after suffering from numerous cases of racism, was being linked with a return to the English Premier League, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race to sign the controversial striker.

While some reports claimed that Arsenal had agreed on a £15.8 million deal with Milan over the transfer of the 23-year-old striker, others suggested that the former Manchester City forward had already agreed on personal terms with the North London club.

However, Galliani dismissed all these speculations, insisting that Milan had received no offers from Arsenal for Balotelli, who is currently on holiday in New York.

"We have not received any offer [for Balotelli] and at this time, there is nothing from Arsenal," said the Milan CEO during a press conference, ahead of the Rossoneri's preseason friendly clash against Monza.

However, Galliani revealed that they are currently in negotiations with MLS side Orlando City over the transfer of Brazilian forward Robinho.

"We are trying to arrange with him [Robinho] a similar path to Kaka, but we are still distant with Orlando City," added Galliani on Sunday. "Tomorrow morning, we will talk with him and his lawyer to find a solution."

Meanwhile, Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is reportedly set to snub Arsenal and join their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur instead.

The Gunners were believed to be leading the race to sign the 24-year-old midfielder with a bid of£16 million. But, now the Daily Mail claims that the Frenchman has opted to team up with his former boss Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had reportedly been keeping Schneiderlin as a backup option if they failed in their attempts to land Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.

However, now it seems like the Gunners are going to miss out on both their targets as Khedira's move to the Emirates also looks unlikely.

Schneiderlin's preference to move to White Hart Lane instead of the Emirates is believed to be due to the midfielder's respect for Pochettino, as the Argentinean boss played a big hand in his development at Southampton last season.