MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER Roberto Mancini has revealed his interest in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
The Dutch striker leads the Premier League scoring charts this season but speculation has arisen over his future at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal failing to keep pace with the league leaders and out of all cup competitions following their Champions League defeat to AC Milan.
Mancini will monitor the Arsenal skipper’s situation but expects plenty of other top European clubs to be interested in the 28-year-old if he does become available.
“We are interested in all good players,” Mancini said. “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).”
The Italian was not confident that Van Persie would seek a move away from Arsenal this summer, however believing Arsene Wenger will spend during the summer transfer window in order to persuade his prized asset to stay.
“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.”
