Thursday, 9th August, 2012
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that he does not know what Arsenal’s negotiating tactics over Robin van Persie is, but it is making purchasing the Dutchman difficult.
The field has narrowed for the wantaway striker in recent days after Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admitted he thought it was unlikely that Van Persie would end up as a Citizens player by the end of the transfer window.
Manchester United and Juventus are also trying to sign the 29-year-old, who has refused to extend a contract at Arsenal which comes to an end next summer.
Ferguson though has been frustrated in his efforts to bag Van Persie so far and finds it strange that the Gunners are so cool on entering official talks to sell the Holland international.
"We have made a bid. They have been trying to negotiate with other clubs", the Manchester United boss said after his club’s high-profile friendly against Barcelona in Sweden last night.
"I do not have a gut feeling about it. We can’t get a breakthrough with Arsenal. I do not know what Arsenal’s thoughts are because they won’t give anything away.
"It is difficult to say why they are operating like this. I can’t give you any more information. We just have to persevere.
"We are trying our best and hopefully it will come our way. But there is no progress at this moment in time."
Arsenal look set to have a tough decision to make over Van Persie sooner rather than later, if no club will pay over £20M for the forward.
The Gunners risk losing the hitman for free next summer.
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