Ferguson: Man Utd not the only club in for Arsenal star

Thursday, August 9, 2012
7:42 AM

Transfer news: Sir Alex Ferguson claims numerous club are pushing to sign Robin van Persie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Arsenal are playing hardball over losing captain Robin van Persie and hinted there are other clubs trying to sign the Dutchman.

Man Utd are reportedly front runners in the race for the wantaway 29-year-old, as Manchester City and Juventus both claim to have cooled their interest.

But while Ferguson confirms he has made a bid, he claims there are other clubs attempting to sign the Dutchman and is not optimistic of a deal with Arsenal.

“We have made a bid and they’ve been trying to negotiate with other clubs,” Ferguson told reporters after Man Utd’s friendly against Barcelona in Gothenburg last night.

“I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.

“We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal.

“It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way.

“I don’t know what their thoughts are because they’re not giving anything away.”

Rumours circulating last night that Van Persie was heading to Manchester for a medical were seemingly wide of the mark.

“I can’t give you any more information,” said Ferguson.

“We just have to persevere.

“We are trying our best and hopefully it will come our way but there’s no progress at this moment in time.”