Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to tempt Robin van Persie away from Arsenal. City have signed four players from the North Londoners in the last three years - Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Mancini knows Dutchman Van Persie, 28, will come at a hefty price.

He said: "If he leaves I don't think he will be cheap because he has one year left on his contract.

"If, for example, you wanted to buy Napoli's Edinson Cavani he would be maybe £30million.

"I think Van Persie will sign a new contract. He is Arsenal's best player and it is difficult for them to give him to another club.

"If there is a good player who wants to leave a club, then we are interested.

"I think he is a fantastic striker but I think he will remain with Arsenal."