Mancini coy on Van Persie link

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has refused to enter discussions about the future of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

After stating he will not sign a new contract at the Emirates, Van Persie is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Mancini was non-committal when asked about a possible move for the Dutchman but said that City would seek to strengthen their squad in the off-season.

“For this question, speak to the man in charge,” Mancini told reporters. “I am not in charge of this.

“It is important (to get players quickly) because, after what we did last year, it is important we continue to win.

“This year will not be easy. It will be harder than last year and for this reason, we need to improve our team.

“I am not the man in charge of this. We have a man who works for this and we hope that they can do a good job.”

The 47-year-old refused to confirm his interest in Van Persie and hinted that he could struggle to include him in City’s plans.

“It is difficult to say this at this moment because he is an Arsenal player and he is not our player,” Mancini said.

“We know that Van Persie is a fantastic striker, but we have four strikers and with these strikers we won the championship last year.

“But still, Van Persie is a top player. We can say different things about this – but he is an Arsenal player.”