Mancini coy on Van Persie switch as bid for Napoli ace Cavani hits the skids

Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out a move for Robin van Persie, but admitted that luring Edinson Cavani from Napoli looked like mission impossible. 

The Manchester City boss has long admired Uruguay striker Cavani and has been linked with a renewed bid for the 25-year-old in the last few days. 

However, with Ezequiel Lavezzi set to leave Napoli for a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain, the Serie A club are determined to hold on to their other star striker. 

Mission impossible: Mancini has conceded defeat in his pursuit of Cavani

 

'Cavani is a Napoli player - it's impossible to take him,' Mancini told Italian Sky Sport 24. 

However, the Premier League-winning coach was more coy when asked about Van Persie, who has a year left to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

'Van Persie is an Arsenal player, I won't say anything,' he explained. 

Dutch of class: Manchester City are courting Arsenal captain Van Persie

Mancini will have to offload some of his fringe strikers if he is to bolster the attack this summer, and also has a bloated roster in other positions. 

But he said he was keen to hold on to left back Aleksandr Kolarov, who has attracted attention from Inter Milan and Juventus after struggling to win a first-team place at the Etihad Stadium.

'Kolarov is a great full back and a great person,' said Mancini. 'I would like to keep him.

'Many teams want our players, which means we have done a good job. I want Aleksandr to stay and I know his value.'

DailyMail