To say the 22-year-old is "not happy" at City would be crossing the line ... but would Balotelli be happy ANYWHERE?
Some suggest he wants a return to Italy, and that (along with this £340,000 fine) has got Milan willing to test the water.
City boss Roberto Mancini insists the Italy international's future is definitely at the Etihad Stadium, but that changes from week to week.
We all know the player is a ticking time bomb, and a man who will continue to challenge authority ... something that makes Mancini's position look fagile.
And I personally believe the manager is looking for an excuse to get him out, because he does not make it a happy camp.
Balotelli missed 11 competitive matches through suspension last term as a result of three red cards - one from the previous campaign - and one retrospective punishment.