Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Manchester City Still Want Robin van Persie

Arsenal must do everything possible to avoid Robin van Persie making a transfer move to Manchester City after the disaster that happened last summer when star midfielder Samir Nasri went to the Etihad after not receiving a new contract from the Gunners.

According to The Mirror, City manager Roberto Mancini hasn't given up on bringing the Premier League's top scorer to the blue half of Manchester.

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The Italian also made clear that Van Persie remains a summer transfer target when he was asked who he preferred out of the Arsenal captain and Napoli’s EdinsonCavani.

“To sign Cavani at his present valuation is impossible. For Van Persie, it is a bit different.

“Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri were a year before the end of their contracts and for Arsene Wenger it was difficult to keep them.”

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cannot allow his club to go through another transfer nightmare like the Nasri situation last year.

He must prevent Arsenal from becoming a feeder club that big-money teams like Manchester City can use to take star players when their contract situations don't progress well.

Losing Nasri was bad, but losing captain Van Persie would have a devastating effect on Arsenal for years.

If the Dutch striker leaves, then you can bet other young players such as Theo Walcott will also leave the North London club whenever their contracts conclude.

Arsenal cannot build a consistent Premier League contending squad by developing young players and not re-signing them when they need richer contracts.

Arsenal did a fantastic job of saving a season that looked headed for disaster in September and ending it with an impressive third-place finish and Champions League qualification for next year.

The Gunners cannot destroy the excitement of the future by allowing Van Persie to leave the club, and especially not to a club like City after Nasri and left back Gael Clichy went to the Etihad last summer.

Keeping their captain at the Emirates for the future is the best way Arsenal can once again be legitimate league title contenders.

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