Mario Balotelli Won't Join Chelsea in January, Says Milan's Massimiliano Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has fiercely denied claims that Mario Balotelli could be heading to Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The AC Milan coach, who has been under fire for the Rossoneri’s poor start to the season, quashed rumours with a simple statement on the club’s official website, via BBC Sport:

"He will not leave in January, absolutely not."

With the San Siro club currently sitting 10th in Serie A, it’s clear Allegri needs to ensure his best players remain in the team beyond the upcoming transfer window.

Balotelli has scored four goals and has provided one assist in eight appearances this season, per WhoScored, but continues to be caught up in disciplinary issues.

The 23-year-old has totted up three yellow cards and one red during the current campaign, averaging a caution every two games.

He remains something of a media circus wherever he goes. Balotelli recently grabbed headlines after crashing his car while waiting at a set of traffic lights, per Richard Beech of Mirror Football.

Mino Raiola, the player’s agent, spoke of Balotelli’s relationship with current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who mentored the forward during his time in charge of Inter Milan, per ClubCall:

"

Mourinho and Balotelli at Chelsea? They left on good terms. I am always in contact and there is a mutual respect.

There are a lot of things that can be said about Balotelli, but that he isn't a great striker isn't one of them.

Mario to Chelsea? It could be, but [Adriano] Galliani obviously doesn't want it.

"

Mourinho is thought to be prioritising a £35 million bid for Wayne Rooney after failing to land the Manchester United forward during the summer, per Jack Wilson of The Express. Should this bid fail to materialise, Balotelli represents a divisive alternative for the Portuguese boss.

The Italian badboy’s antics—such as his willingness to set off fireworks in his bathroom and decision to throw darts at Manchester City's youth players—drummed up damning scrutiny from the English press, as humorously highlighted in Steven Anglesey's countdown for Mirror Football.

Considering the player fired a parting shot at the English press, the food and the weather when he departed the Etihad Stadium, per Sky Sports, it would be an extremely brave career move to invite all of that tension once more.

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