Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has refused to comment on speculation linking his side with Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie.
The Gunners striker has just one year left on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium and has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions after finishing last season as the league’s top scorer.
There has been speculation that City would be willing to sell a number of their current forwards to make room for Van Persie, but Mancini is unwilling to discuss any transfer.
“Van Persie? He is an Arsenal player and I don’t want to disrespect Wenger,” he told Sky Italia.
“We have four strikers and we will start the pre-season in five days, it’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time.”
Mancini also moved to deny rumours that both Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez will leave the Etihad to accommodate the Dutchman.
“The interest from Juventus for him (Dzeko)? It will be difficult that Edin goes away,” he said.
“Tevez will remain, unless he wants to change team.”
Big-spending French outfit Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as a possible destination for the Arsenal captain.
The Qatari-owned club have the funds to compete with Manchester City and would be willing to break the bank to purchase Van Persie.
Club director Leonardo made an inquiry about the player earlier in the summer, only to be told that the Gunners skipper was not for sale.
However both City and PSG are thought to remain keen on prizing Van Persie away from North London.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
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