As the Robin van Persie transfer story rumbles on, various reports suggest that Blues boss Roberto Mancini has given up on his attempt to sign the Arsenal striker.

According to The Independent, the Italian admitted that the Dutchman would not be at the Etihad next season,

 

Van Persie? No, I don't think he will come here.

 

...Roberto Mancini...

If this is the case, and remember we will be first to let you know, it could come as good news for Edin Dzeko.

According to Goal.com Mancini has already indicated that the Bosnian who was rumored to be frustrated with his lack of starts last season will not be sold this summer,

"It’s pretty unlikely he will leave,” Mancini admitted.
"He is right to say it’s no fun being on the bench but when you join a big club then competition is normal."

Elsewhere, there are reports that David Silva and Mario Balotelli may miss the start of the Premier League season.

The pair returned to training at Carrington last week after playing for Spain and Italy respectively in the final of Euro 2012.

Sky Sports News claims they will be given more time to build on their fitness and quote David Platt as saying,

“They are behind the other lads due to a short pre-season.”

“We don’t know if they will be ready to start games.”