ROBIN VAN PERSIE reckons there is one player that Manchester City’s money could never buy — him.
The Arsenal striker is a huge supporter of boss Arsene Wenger’s philosophy not to spend big this summer, even though the Frenchman had the green light to fork out £30million on one player.
City’s new Arab owners, meanwhile, are ready to throw bucketloads of cash at recruiting the top names in world football.
Robinho arrived from Real Madrid on deadline day while City also tried to hijack Dimitar Berbatov’s move to neighbours United.
Van Persie admits he is fascinated by the developments at Eastlands — but he would never be lured by a fat pay cheque.
He said: “I was really surprised when they came in for Robinho. I thought ‘What’s happening? Man City and £30m?’
“No they haven’t put an offer in for me and they don’t have to bother! I’m really curious if Manchester City have a plan because it won’t work by only buying the most expensive players.
“It’s about a team. If all the pieces don’t click then the system will fail.
“In principle, Man City could have success but there has to be a philosophy with a whole staff who have a plan for the next four or five years.”
Wenger kept his hand in his pocket despite his board urging him to splash out this summer.
And his stance has the full backing of Dutchman Van Persie, 25.
He added: “The manager wanted to use a certain amount but not the full £30m. He has a principle and if he believes a player is worth £10m then he’ll only pay that amount.
“It’s difficult in this overinflated market. He wanted a player but the selling club were asking far too much in his valuation. So he told them: ‘That’s the price or forget it’.
“We have a small squad but achieving a mental hardness and avoiding injuries can make a difference.”