City leave Van Persie to Arsenal (or Man Utd)

Roberto Mancini is frustrated at the failure to lure their top summer target Robin van Persie to Manchester City.

The Italian is set for collision course with the club's football administrator Brian Marwood by admitting that their squad is not strong enough to defend their title and win the Champions League this term, according to The Sun.

He said: “We don’t need 10 players like we did three years ago but we need three or four players who can improve our team.

“If we also go well in the Champions League, there could also be a chance that we can arrive in the quarter, semi-final or final.

“We will try to win it but it is important we have a good squad. I don’t think we can play for the Champions League with this squad. So for this reason we have to buy.”

Mancini is particularly upset at the lack of progress in attempts to land Van Persie.

The champions face competition from bitter rivals Manchester United and Juventus to get the Arsenal hitman.

The Gunners are also hoping that the Dutch ace will stay at the Emirates for at least the final year of his contract but accept they will let him go for £20 million.

Mancini feels Van Persie has a difficult to choice to make.

He said: “When you talk about Manchester City, Manchester United and Juve, it is difficult for a player to choose between those three clubs.

“They are all top teams and I’ve no idea what will happen with him. If we have a chance to take him, we will try because we think he is a top striker.

“For now he is an Arsenal player and I think Arsenal are a top team. It is not easy for Van Persie and other players to leave them.”


 

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