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United are available at a similar price of 69/50 (2.38) but, without doubt, the Blue half of Manchester represent the best best, and the seemingly only option for Van Persie at present with no firm offer from their local rivals.

Amid reports that Roberto Mancini is ready to offer the wantaway Dutchman a bumper wage with the Premier League champions, the option to still back City as his next club at odds-against will prove very popular with punters.

Arsenal had previously stated their intention to hold Van Persie to his contract, despite the striker currently being able to leave on a free next summer.

That option was seen as preferable to losing another star asset to a Premier League rival, as with Samir Nasri the previous season.

However, Van Persie seems intent on forcing through a move and with City having both the financial clout and heightened ability to win the Premier League, the price of 6/5 (2.20) is well worth investing in.

Even if United were to enquire about the services of the striker, Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to match the wages that their rivals could offer, especially for a player with a chequered injury record.

Much like their moves for strikers Carlos Tevez and Emanuel Adebayor in the past, the Premier League champions seem unlikely to turn down the opportunity to add another talented striker, and last season's top goalscorer, to their ranks, especially with this latest development potentially forcing Wengers hand as to his availability.