Arsène Wenger has said that Arsenal will “not lose anybody to Manchester City” as he continued to insist that Robin van Persie would stay put. The captain’s future has been the subject of intense debate and, on Wednesday, Roberto Mancini confirmed they would be among the clubs who would like to sign the Dutchman.

“We will not lose anybody to Manchester City, or to anybody else, because we want to keep our players,” Wenger said. “We want to keep Robin van Persie, that is clear; we will do everything possible to extend his contract, that is clear and, apart from that, I can only let people talk.

“I don’t mind [what Mancini said on Wednesday]. I read what Mancini said. It’s not so bad. At our level, we are professional people. I believe if you are to have one quality, it is not to be unsettled” because what is said of you by other clubs is part of the job.”