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Mancini tight-lipped on RVP

Image: Robin van Persie: Has been linked with a big-money move to City

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is keeping quiet over the potential signing of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

City boss coy over potential signing of Arsenal skipper

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is keeping quiet over the potential signing of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie ahead of Friday's pre-season friendly with the Gunners in China. City have been linked with the Dutch striker for much of the summer, although there have been reports that Mancini was told he must sell before making additions to his squad. Van Persie has made it clear he will not be extending his Arsenal contract past the end of this season, and City's rivals Manchester United, as well as Juventus, have been credited with interest in signing him. Mancini refused to be drawn when asked about Van Persie at a press conference in Beijing, saying: "It is difficult to say this at this moment because he is an Arsenal player and he is not our player. "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."

Not in charge

Reports have suggested City officials are blocking Mancini's attempts to sign the Arsenal skipper but the manager insists he is not in charge of transfers. Asked whether he was disappointed with his lack of progress in the transfer market, the Italian said: "For this question, you need to talk to the man in charge. I am not in charge of these things." "We have a man that works for this and... I think that we are hoping that they can do a good job." Premier League champions City will take on Arsenal in a friendly at the Beijing National Stadium on Friday.

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