Robin van Persie has expressed his desire to leave Arsenal. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Roberto Mancini dampened rumours that Robin van Persie was going to move north

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has played down rumours linking the Citizens with Arsenal star Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with the Premier League champions interested along with Barcelona and Juventus.

“Van Persie? He is an Arsenal player and I don’t want to disrespect Wenger,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have four strikers and we will start the preseason in five days, it’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time.”