Mancini Hints At Van Persie Move

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has once again hinted at a move for Arsenal striker Ronin van Persie.

Van Persie has only one year left on his current contract and has so far stalled on signing an extension, despite talks with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the end of last season.

Goal.com report that Man City are monitoring the strikers situation and Mancini has been talking up the 30-goal hitman, describing him as “top-class”, and spoke openly about the 28-year-old’s situation.

Mancini was quizzed about bringing in a new striker this summer and the Italian confirmed he will buy but only if one of his current crop of forwards leaves, amid reports that Eden Dzeko could be set to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer. Mancini failed to deny the rumours surrounding the Bosnian, but did assure supporters that Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli would stay at the club this summer, while Carlos Tevez will also remain as long as he doesn’t ask for a transfer.

Mancini is quoted by Goal.com as saying:

“We will sign a striker if one of our forwards will leave.”

“Van Persie is a top-class player. His situation is different than the [Gael] Clichy and [Samir] Nasri ones, when we signed them. It was difficult to keep them at London for [Arsene] Wenger.

“It’s impossible to sign [Edinson] Cavani at his current price, Van Persie it’s different. Cavani has everything. I wanted him when I was at Inter and he didn’t score so many goals.”

“I forgive Tevez and his goals were useful for the title. He will stay at City if he does not ask to be sold. Balotelli will stay for sure,” he added.

“[Sergio] Aguero still hasn’t taken advantage of his whole potential. If he will listen me, he will become like [Lionel] Messi, able to score one or two goals per match.”

The former Inter Milan boss went on to give a further hint of a move for Van Persie by saying that although they would prefer to buy youngster players, they could still be tempted to go for a more experienced head.

“We prefer to buy young players, 22-23 aged. But now we could also choose some experienced players,” he explained.

Arsenal are doing their best to persuade RVP to remain at the Emirates but any decision over the strikers future won’t be made until after this summers European championships. However, Arsene Wenger is unlikely to be impressed by the Man City manager openly talking about one of his star players in the press again.

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