Juventus confident they'll win race to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie

 
Simon Johnson19 July 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is confident his club will beat Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutch international’s future at Emirates Stadium is still not clear having admitted earlier this month that he wasn’t going to sign an extension on his contract which runs out next year.

That has sparked a bidding war between the two Manchester clubs and Italian champions Juventus, but none of them have been able to agree a fee with Arsenal as yet.

If the 28-year-old doesn’t leave this summer, it runs the risk that he could leave on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Standard Sport was first to reveal that Juventus is the Dutch international’s preferred destination and Marotta believes his side do have an advantage.

He said: "Van Persie is a fans' dream. Everyone has dreams but then you have to confront this with the reality. We know what we have to do and that is the important thing."

It is still not clear whether Van Persie will travel with the rest of the Arsenal squad that leaves on Saturday for the pre-season tour to Asia.

Van Persie, who is valued at over £20m by Arsenal, is due to have more talks with manager Arsene Wenger about the situation before the weekend.

Juventus are determined to reestablish themselves as a major force in European football having last won the Champions League in 1996.

They have already signed Sebastian Giovinco, Isla Asamoah, Mauricio Isla, Martin Caceres, Lucio  and Paul Pogba this summer.

But Juventus officials feel Van Persie could make the club a real force in the Champions League as well as make them even stronger as they defend their Serie A crown.

But Marotta has warned Arsenal that they will turn to Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic if they can’t reach an agreement soon.

He added: "Fiorentina want €30million (£23.5m) for Jovetic. Everyone is free to determine the price they want for a player - but we have not begun any talks with Fiorentina,"

Manchester City had appeared to be favourites to sign Van Persie, who was named Footballer of the Year last season, when the speculation over his future first materialised.

However, they have even slipped behind their fierce rivals Manchester United in the chase as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to replace Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian international joined from Tottenham for £30.75m in 2008, but he is ready to leave Old Trafford and Ferguson will sell for the right price.

Berbatov has been linked with AC Milan and Galatasary and Ferguson said: “I am easy about it if he stays. I would be happy with that. But if someone comes in and Dimitar wants to leave, we will assess it.

“Last season he didn't quite get the amount of football he wants. At his age, it was difficult for him to accept his position in the forward line.”

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