Arsenal: Robin Van Persie's Father Rules out Manchester City Move

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie's father, Bob, has said that his son will not be joining Manchester City during this summer's transfer window and even hinted that Robin may stay with the Gunners.

Van Persie's contract, the subject of much debate in recent weeks, expires after the 2012-13 season.

Attempts to draw up an extension for the 28-year-old (He turns 29 on Aug. 6.) in May fell through, leaving the hearts of Gunners fans in their mouths as they await his final decision, which will likely come after this month's European Championships, in which Van Persie is playing for the Netherlands.

Van Persie's father spoke to El Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN) on Saturday, however, discussing the viability of rumors linking his son to certain of Europe's top clubs:

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"He'd never go to Manchester City as it's impossible he would play for another Premier League side that wasn't Arsenal," Bob van Persie said.

"It would make no sense to go to Barcelona when they've already got Leo Messi.

"Real Madrid would be a good option, but they are not so much a team as a collection of star names, so he wouldn't really fit in there either."

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Bob van Persie, a Rottedam-based artist, has followed his son's professional career with zealous interest, even cataloging his exploits in a picture album filled with newspaper clippings and snapshots.

Whether he knows his son's mind is another matter.

For now, Arsenal fans will have to make do with this bit of good news from Bob.