Roberto Mancini rules out striker exit

Manager dismisses front-line changes

By Zain Alvi | 2nd July 2012

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has made it clear that he is happy with the four strikers at his disposal at the Eastlands and Bosnian star Edin Dzeko, in particular, will not leave the club this summer.

Dzeko, 26, was being linked heavily with a move away from City in the second half of last season but ever since he scored an invaluable equalizer in their famous title-clinching win over QPR on the final match day, his future looks to be more secure.

Mancini has never publicly entertained selling the former Wolfsburg striker but having heard too many reports on the contrary, the manager took the initiative to reiterate his views firmly in that regard.

“Dzeko’s farewell is not expected,” Mancini asserted.

When asked about the interest of Italian champions Juventus, the manager elaborated: “The interest of Juventus for him? It will be difficult that Edin goes away.”

With only a few days left before defending Premier League champions City begin their preseason training, Mancini is hoping that in addition to Dzeko, Sergio Aguero, and Mario Balotelli, he can also hold on to enigmatic Argentine forward Carlos Tevez.

“Tevez will remain, unless he wants to change team,” Mancini explained.

Of course, given that it is transfer season, Mancini was also approached about the likelihood of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie joining his front-line.

The former Inter Milan boss did not categorically deny his pursuit of the prolific Dutchman but suggested that a deal would be impractical given how close the preseason is.

“We have four strikers and we will start the preseason in five days. It’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time,” he concluded.