Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains coy over his interest in Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie and sounded doubtful over chances of a possible transfer this summer.
The Dutchman has been at the center of transfer speculation this summer after rejecting a contract extension at Arsenal earlier. Mancini was keen on bringing the 28 year old to Eastlands this summer but Van Persie’s father ruled out any move to a direct competitor of the Gunners. Arsene Wenger also came out to quash all rumors and remains confident that the striker would eventually sign an extension and commit his future to the club.
The Premier League champions have been uncharacteristically quiet this summer in the transfer market but the last season’s Golden Boot winner of Premier League is believed to be on top of the transfer target list.
Mancini said: ‘Van Persie? He is an Arsenal player and I don’t want to disrespect Wenger.
‘We will start the preseason in five days, it’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time.’
The Italian also went on to downplay the uncertainty over Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko’s future at the club. The City boss remains confident that Dzeko would stay despite intense interest from Serie A side Juventus. However, he sounded less optimistic about Serbian defender Aleksandr Kolaro’v future at the Manchester club.
The same goes for Dzeko, his farewell is not expected,’ Mancini added.
‘The interest of Juventus for him? It will be difficult that Edin goes away.
‘Kolarov? I myself wanted him to City, he is a great player. If it depends on me, he would remain at the City.
‘I’d love to have him again in the next season but I cannot impose myself on his will”