Wenger plays down RVP talk

Arsene Wenger: Has dimissed talk of Robin van Persie leaving Arsenal for Manchester City

Arsene Wenger has dismissed Roberto Mancini's comments about Robin van Persie as nothing more than speculation.

After persuading Samir Nasri to swap the Arsenal red for the Manchester City sky blue last summer, Mancini started talk of another big money move when he described Van Persie as "one of the best strikers in Europe."

He added that he would be interested in bringing the 28-year-old to the Etihad Stadium, but Wenger says the comments have to be taken with a pinch of salt.

"If you are to have one quality it is not to be unsettled because what is said of you by other clubs is part of the job," the Arsenal boss said.

"What is important is how much you want to win the next game and all the rest is basically not important."

Wenger added: "Robin is the leader of our club and I would just like to specify that he is not at the end of his contract.

"He is under contract until 2013. So you do your job, focus on your job which he does very well and enjoy your games."