Mancini Confirms Interest In Signing Robin van Persie

Morning Gooners. Some very predictable transfer news to report on this morning, as Man City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Mancini is quoted by Goal.com as saying that should RVP leave the Emirates this summer then City will be one of a number of sides interested in his services. However, the Italian goes on to say he feels the Dutchman will be persuaded to sign a new contract to remain with Arsenal.

Here is what Goal.com quote Mancini as saying when asked about potential interest in Van Persie:

“We are interested in all good players. This is normal, but not only us. I think all the good teams are interested in Van Persie.

“I think Van Persie at this moment is one of the best strikers in Europe with [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and with Sergio [Aguero] and Mario [Balotelli].

“I think he is a fantastic striker, but I think he will remain with Arsenal,” Mancini said.

“I think if there is a good player who wants to leave a club, then we are interested. But if this player wants to stay, we don’t have any problem. In my opinion, Van Persie will stay at Arsenal.

“I think Van Persie will sign a new contract with Arsenal because if Arsenal lose also Van Persie, they will have a big problem.

“I think Arsenal will buy good players in the summer. Arsenal is a top team.

“They want to win the next Premier League, so for these reasons I think he will stay.”

Who didn’t see this coming? We’ve become City’s feeder club with Nasri, Clichy, Toure and Adebayor all having made the move North in recent seasons and it was obvious they would come in for Van Persie in the summer. It seems they are simply starting their public ‘tapping up’ early this time.

But hopefully Mancini is right and Van Persie remains with Arsenal, because it would be sad to see RVP ruin his legendary status at the Grove by moving to City for money (oh, and trophies of course).