Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott says Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie would be a welcome addition to their squad.

Lescott and his fellow defenders will be aiming to stop the Dutch ace breaking Alan Shearer's record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year.

The England defender told The Sun: "I wouldn't swap him for any of our strikers - but I'd take him as well.

"We'd welcome any great players here and he is one. He's the man for Arsenal at the moment and he's obviously their main goal threat.

"He's right up there with the best strikers around. As a forward you get judged on goals so at the moment he's the best in the league. He can score all sorts of goals, with either foot. His work-rate for the team is great as well."