Rivals drop out of striker race

Manchester City have lost one of their rivals in the race to sign Arsenal's Robin van Persie after Juventus pulled out of the race.

The Italian giants have long been linked with a move for the striker, who wants out of the Emirates Stadium, but the whole package involved is beyond them.
Arsenal are desperate to keep hold of him but if he does leave they want a £20million fee, while the player's wage demands will be in the region of £200,000 a week.
That leaves arch rivals Manchester United as City's biggest challengers for the signature of the Dutch ace but Roberto Mancini is still facing a fight to land him.
The City chief had seemingly made Arsenal's prolific Dutch international striker his top target in this summer's transfer window after the player expressed a desire to quit the Emirates Stadium.
However, as City struggle to get their wage bill down to make room for Van Persie, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz still part of the squad, United have made a rival offer but the news that the Italian giants Juve are out of the running will be a bonus to City.