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

Transfer news: The Italians have cooled their interest in Robin van Persie

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has appeared to pour cold water on their interest to sign Arsenal star Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman revealed that he would not sign a new deal with the Gunners and has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City, with his contract expiring next year.

“A top player is not only judged by how much he costs,” said Marotta.

“It can also mean a player who costs less but on the pitch shows an absolute value.

“Van Persie is a great player but Arsenal do not intend to lose him. And you cannot indulge in a player if the owners don’t want (to sell).

“Talk of our real interest in him seems excessive to me.”