Mancini keen on Arsenal star Robin van Persie

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in Arsenal's Robin van Persie, but believes the striker will remain with the Gunners.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 32 goals this season, is out of contract in 2013 and has put talks over a new deal on hold until the summer.

"We are interested in all good players, " said Mancini. "I think all the good teams are interested in Van Persie.

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I think Robin van Persie will sign a new contract with Arsenal because if Arsenal lose also Van Persie, they will have a big problem

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Roberto Mancini

"He is a fantastic striker but I think he will remain with Arsenal."

City signed Samir Nasri from Arsenal last summer and have also recruited Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor from the Gunners in recent years.

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and after a number of injury-plagued campaigns, he has been prolific this season.

Mancini added: "I think if there is a good player who wants to leave a club, then we are interested.

"I think Van Persie at this moment is one of the best strikers in Europe with [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Sergio [Aguero] and Mario [Balotelli].

"But if this player wants to stay, we don't have any problem. In my opinion, Van Persie will stay at Arsenal.

"I think Robin van Persie will sign a new contract with Arsenal because if Arsenal lose also Van Persie, they will have a big problem.

"I think Arsenal will buy good players in the summer.

"Arsenal is a top team. They want to win the next Premier League, so for these reasons I think he will stay."