Mancini talks Dzeko, Arsenal

Edin Dzeko is all the talk, but Arsenal remains the focus for Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

The Bosnian striker has attracted wide interest from Europe’s top clubs thanks to his prolific goal tally for Wolfsburg in the Budesliga, with City agreeing a fee for the 24-year-old on Tuesday.

But City’s Italian manager is keen to focus on his side’s crunch match at the Emirates.”I can say that we have agreed with Wolfsburg,” he said.

“Dzeko is a good player and all the teams in Europe want him. At this moment, we must focus on Arsenal. Afterwards we can talk about Dzeko.”

City have suffered a setback ahead of their preparations for game, with key duo Mario Balotelli and David Silva both ruled out through injury. The City manager conceded that Silva’s absence in particular will be a big loss.

“We have a big problem and we will have to change something for the game,” he said.”At the moment, David is a big key player for us and he is playing well.”

The Eastlands club have not won at Arsenal in 35 years and, although Mancini is seeking to end their winless streak, he will adopt a cautious approach for the match.

“Arsenal is a fantastic team and they play great football. We’ve prepared very well, but when two strong teams play each other, anything can happen,” he said.

A win for Arsene Wenger’s men will see them leapfrog City into second place, and Mancini has been impressed with his opposite number’s work this season.

“In his time at Arsenal, he has worked very well and built a strong team which has won titles,” he said.”It’s possible that they can win the title this year. They have incredible players and I like watching them play football.”

“I don’t think there is just one player we are fearful of. They have a good team with more experience this year.”