Robin Van Persie, Arsenal striker

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United are still trying to sign Arsenal's striker Robin van Persie.

The Netherlands international has confirmed that he intends to leave the Emirates Stadium, with Juventus and the two Manchester clubs battling it out for the maestro this summer.

With Roberto Mancini admitting that Van Persie was unlikely to move to the Etihad Stadium, United were believed to be the frontrunners for his signature, but Ferguson has admitted that the move is still a long way off.

"I can't give you any more information," the Scot told reporters, published in Sky Sports.

"We have made a bid and they (Arsenal) have been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We just have to persevere.

"Hopefully it will come our way. We are trying our best but there is no progress at this moment in time.

"I do not have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit. We are not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal.

"It is difficult to say why they are operating this way. I do not know what their thoughts are because they are not giving anything away," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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