Mancini hints at Manchester City move for Arsenal star Van Persie

Roberto Mancini has hinted that Manchester City could still make a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie this summer.

The Dutch international's future remains uncertain, with the Gunners understood to be unwilling to let the player leave this summer, though Van Persie is thought to be reluctant to sign a new contract.

And while the Etihad Stadium boss suggested he will only bring a forward in if one of his front line were to leave, with Edin Dzeko reportedly available, a bid could still be on the cards, although he ruled out making a move for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

"We will sign a striker if one of our forwards will leave," Mancini told Tuttosport. "We want to keep all of them. [Robin] van Persie is a top class player. His situation is different than the [Gael] Clichy and [Samir] Nasri ones, when we signed them. It was difficult to keep them at London for [Arsene] Wenger.

"It's impossible to sign [Edinson] Cavani at his current price, Van Persie is different. Cavani has everything. I wanted him when I was at Inter and he didn't score so many goals."

Mancini also suggested that controversial strikers Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli would both stay at the club, despite having hit the headlines for off-field matters last season.

"I forgive [Carlos] Tevez and his goals were useful for the title. He will stay at City if he does not ask to be sold. [Mario] Balotelli will stay for sure," he added. "[Sergio] Aguero still hasn't taken advantage of his whole potential. If he will listen me, he will become like [Lionel] Messi, able to score 1-2 goals per match."

Finally, the Italian also revealed the club's buying strategy for the summer, but dismissed reports the Premier League champions would sign Thiago Silva from AC Milan.

"We prefer to buy young players, 22-23 aged. But now we could also choose some experienced players," he explained. "I would like to keep [Aleksandar] Kolarov, even if he played few games in last months. Great players don't accept to stay on the bench easily

"I always like [Claudio] Marchisio, but he grew at Juve and he will stay there. Last year I was wondering to sign [Giorgio] Chiellini, this year no. Milan won't sell Thaigo Silva. I was at Milan head office because [Adriano] Galliani invited me there."