Mancini targets Arsenal's Van Persie

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to pounce on Arsenal goal machine Robin van Persie who has been hailed as "one of the best strikers in Europe", according to reports in the British press.

The Italian has admitted that he would definitely target the Dutch international if he leaves Arsenal this summer.

"I think all the good teams are interested in him. At this moment Van Persie is one of the best strikers in Europe with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli," said Mancini who is on the brink of leading City to a historic triiumph in the Premier League.

Mega-rich City have an acrimonious relationship with the Gunners after signing four players from the North Londoners in the last three years — Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.
 
"If there is a good player who wants to leave a club, then we are interested," Mancini added.

However, he is aware that Van Persie would come at a hefty price, since he has one year remaining on his contract.

"If he leaves I don't think he will be cheap because he has one year left on his contract. If, for example, you wanted to buy Napoli's Edinson Cavani he would be maybe £30 million," said Mancini.

Although he feels Van Persie would remain at Arsenal, Mancini is likely to infuriate Arsenal fans with his expression of interest.

"I think he is a fantastic striker but I think he will remain with Arsenal. I think Van Persie will sign a new contract. He is Arsenal's best player and it is difficult for them to give him to another club," he added.

The Arsenal skipper has deferred contract talks until the summer and his commitment will be tested although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted they would do whatever it takes to keep him at Emirates at any cost.

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