Man City make Van Persie top target
Published 23:00 26/11/11 By Simon Mullock
Manchester City have made Arsenal striker Robin van Persie their No 1 target.
The cash-rich Premier League leaders believe the Gunners are vulnerable to a big-money approach for their in-form Dutchman following a break down in talks over a new contract. Van Persie, 28, has just 18 months left on his current deal and is becoming increasingly concerned that Arsene Wenger could be leaving the Emirates at the end of the season.
City want Van Persie to replace Carlos Tevez and are prepared to offer him a £200,000-a-week deal – despite losing £195million last year and being faced with the prospect of meeting new Financial Fair Play Regulations.
Van Persie has only the 2005 FA Cup win to show for almost eight years in north London.
Roberto Mancini has been linked with Napoli striker Edinson Cavani – but Van Persie is top of his wish-list after 35 goals in 36 appearance for Arsenal in 2011.
City are aware that a move for the Dutchman in January is unlikely to succeed.
But they are willing to wait until the summer when Van Persie’s £30million valuation will drop dramatically as time on his contract runs down.
City have already raided the Gunners for defenders Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy and midfielder Samir Nasri.
