Striker exit could force van Persie bid

Manchester City will pursue Arsenal star Robin van Persie this summer if another striker leaves the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini is again expected to splash the cash this summer as he bids to strengthen his title-winning squad even further. The City boss has been linked to several top players already and Arsenal forward van Persie remains in his sights, despite fears over his high price-tag and the Gunners' attempts to keep him. However, Mancini has said he will bring in a new striker if one leaves the Etihad this summer with Edin Dzeko the most likely departure with a move back to Germany on the cards. If that does happen, the Italian coach is set to step up his bid to land van Persie ahead of other target Edinson Cavani, as Lazio want around £45million for the Uruguayan star - a price Mancini does not want to pay. Speaking about the Arsenal forward, Mancini said: "Van Persie is a top-class player. His situation is different than when we signed Clichy and Nasri. It was difficult for Arsene Wenger to keep them in London. We will sign a striker if one of our forwards leave." Arsenal, though, will fight hard to keep their star man and remain hopeful the Dutchman will pen a new deal after Euro 2012 as talks with the player's representatives are ongoing.