Arsenal braced for striker bid

Reports suggest Manchester City will launch a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie following the Netherlands' Euro 2012 exit.

City boss Roberto Mancini is expected to add to his attacking options this summer and Dutchman Van Persie is widely believed to be his top target. The 28-year-old has just one-year left on his deal at Arsenal and has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Barcelona, but City hope they can beat off the competition for his services by making an early offer. The Telegraph have reported that Mancini will launch a £20million move at the earliest possible opportunity in order to try and tempt the forward to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer. However, Arsenal are desperate to keep hold of Van Persie and hope the striker will agree to a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, despite their failure to thrash out a deal with the forward to date. It has also been speculated that Mancini has to sell before he can buy this summer, with Bayern Munich said to be keeping tabs on Edin Dzeko.