Arsenal received a huge boost to their chances of keeping captain Robin Van Persie at the Emirates, after the Dutch striker's father Bob Van Persie, said his son would never move to Manchester City.
City are considered to be the frontrunners for the signing of Van Persie, who has refused to commit to Arsenal long-term. The Dutch maestro, who scored 30 Premier League goals last season, has just one year remaining on his contract, which led to some of the biggest clubs in the world linked to the star striker.
However, Van Persie's father, Bob, said he would never sign for another Premier League club. "He would never go to Manchester City, as it's impossible he would play for another Premier League side that wasn't Arsenal," Bob van Persie told El Mundo Deportivo.
"It would make no sense to go to Barcelona when they've already got Leo Messi. Real Madrid would be a good option, but they are not so much a team as a collection of star names, so he wouldn't really fit in there either."
Juventus are also reportedly keen on signing the striker, with Van Persie recently saying Juventus are "a great club."
Both Arsenal and Van Persie have refused to comment on the striker's future till the end of Euro 2012.
In other news, Johan Djourou has moved closer to leaving Arsenal after his agent claimed serious interest from several clubs including Italian side Napoli. "Can Djourou join Napoli? It's certainly possible, especially as we will be in Italy next week for a series of appointments," Djourou's agent Flavio Ferraria told Radio CRC.
"At the moment Napoli are not on the list of appointments, but everything is possible. If the lad leaves the Premier League, then he will play in Italy or Spain.
"I saw my client the other day and he was enthusiastic about both Napoli and Italy in general. So far we have received an offer worth €10 million, but it is up for negotiation. The lad wants to play for one of the top five Italian clubs."
Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Oguzhan Ozyakup confirmed his move to Turkish club Besiktas for a $626,000 fee. The 19-year-old passed a medical with Besiktas on Friday. "There are many experienced players at this club and I want to learn from them. It's a significant advantage for me," he told the club's official website.
Chelsea have beaten Arsenal and Manchester City to the signing of another Belgian starlet. The Blues confirmed the capture of 15-year old sensation Charly Musonda from Anderlecht. Musonda signed for Chelsea along with his two brothers Tika and Lamisha. However, Charly is considered the brightest prospect.
