Transfer Centre

Juventus drop down in race to land Robin van Persie

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 27 July 2012

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says that their reported interest in Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is "excessive" and does not expect to sign the Dutchman.

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the Italian club's reported interest in Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is "excessive".

The 28-year-old, who recently admitted that he will not sign a new contract with the Gunners, has been hitting the headlines regarding potential moves to Manchester City, Manchester United or Juventus.

While the Serie A side are keen on the Dutchman, Marotta has claimed that the prolific frontman is unlikely to move to Turin.

"A top player is not only judged by how much he costs," Marotta told Sky Sports Italia. "It can also mean a player who costs less but on the pitch shows an absolute value.

"Van Persie is a great player but Arsenal do not intend to lose him. And you cannot indulge in a player if the owners don't want [to sell]. Talk of our real interest in him seems excessive to me."

Meanwhile, Man City boss Roberto Mancini suggested yesterday that the Premier League champions have enough strikers in their squad.