Puma want Arsenal's Mario Balotelli deal stitched up BEFORE July 10 kit launch #TheElitePartyInJuly #Entertain9jar via @myentertain9jar

PUMA are putting pressure on Arsenal to finalise a deal for Mario Balotelli before July 10 so he can feature at the Gunners' new kit launch.

 

Mario Balotelli looks set to leave AC Milan[GETTY]

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the former Manchester City man this summer after AC Milan decided to let Balotelli move on.

Indeed, reports in Italy suggest the Gunners are preparing a £27m bid to beat Monaco to the 23-year-old.

It has also been suggested that Puma - who signed a long-term shirt sponsorship deal with Arsenal last season - could help fund the deal due to their endorsement deal with the Italian.

And fresh reports suggest that the German sportswear giants are pressuring Arsenal to get a deal done before July 10.

 

"They were quite brilliant. We are so sad and disappointed for them because we know what they're going through. We are very grateful for the emotional moment at the end where they showed their support."

Hodgson made nine changes to his starting line-up following the defeats to Italy and Uruguay, with seven of those players making their first World Cup starts.

Frank Lampard was skipper for the game on what could be his 106th - and final cap - and he also hailed the backing the team has received despite failing to make it out of the group stages.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Lampard. "It made you proud to be an Englishman playing for the country with fans like that. It makes you feel a bit bad we have not given them a longer stay. I'm very proud to have a following like that."