Robin van Persie has expressed his desire to leave Arsenal. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Arsenal transfer news: Mino Raiola believes Gunners star should not move to Serie A

Mino Raiola has warned Robin van Persie against a move to Italy because he believes Serie A is "third-rate".

The Gunners striker's contract expires at the end of next season and the Dutchamn has been linked with recently crowned Italian champions Juventus.

However Raiola, who acts on behalf of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli, says the 28-year-old would be better off staying in the Premier League.

"If he really wants to leave Arsenal for Juventus, he should do everything in his power to make it happen. He should think hard about whether he wants a move to Italy, though," he told NOS.

"Mario [Balotelli] could join any Italian top club if he wants as well, but you have to take a good look at whether this is the right move.

"In my opinion, the Italian league is only getting worse at this point. Italy should have improved their infrastructure and all that some 10 years ago. I'm talking about stadiums, but also about other facilities.

"I'm not afraid to say that Serie A a third-rate league now. When I started as an agent, Italy was pretty much the promised land. Joining an English club was a punishment.

"Things have changed, though. Players now prefer England, Spain and Germany over Italy, and rightly so."