Juve play down van Persie interest

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has played down rumours linking the club with a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The 28-year-old enjoyed an exceptional season last term, striking 30 English Premier League goals on his way to winning the PFA Player of the Year award before clarifying he would not be extending his deal to stay at the club beyond the end of this season.

Alongside Manchester City, Juve were thought to be the front-runners for the Dutchman’s signature, but Marotta believes too much has been made of their interest in the player, citing Arsenal’s reluctance to sell as a major stumbling block.

“A top player is not only judged by how much he costs,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“It can also mean a player who costs less but on the pitch shows an absolute value.

“Van Persie is a great player but Arsenal do not intend to lose him. And you cannot indulge in a player if the owners don’t want (to sell).

“Talk of our real interest in him seems excessive to me.”

Antonio Conte’s side are thought to be in the market for a striker of continental class as they look to make an impact on their return to the Champions League next season.