Liverpool sign Mario Balotelli

Liverpool have successfully completed the signing of Italian striker Mario Balotelli from AC Milan for a fee of around £16m.

The talented striker, who previously plyed his trade with Manchester City in the English top flight, had been linked with an exit from the San Siro this summer, with Arsenal considered to be his next destination.

However, the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger dismissed talks on the transfer claiming that it was 'pure speculation'. This paved the way for Liverpool, whose manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on signing a top-class striker to restore the loss of Luis Suarez, who joined Barcelona earlier this summer.

The Reds failed to seal a deal for Queens Park Rangers star Loic Remy, due to his inability to undergo a successful medical, and this played a crucial role in the club's move for Balotelli.

The 24-year-old's transfer was confirmed on the club's official website, and this what he had to say on the transfer : "I'm very happy. We've been talking about coming here and now I'm happy to be here. Liverpool are one of the best teams here in England and the football is very good here. It's a great team with young players, and that's why I came here."

It has been reported that Balotelli will wear the number 45 shirt at the Merseyside giants.