With manager Roberto Mancini insisting the Argentinian will never play for him again after refusing to come on as a sub against Bayern Munich in midweek, there is a potential vacancy for a forward at the Etihad Stadium.
City look certain to sell Tevez in January but accept the price they are likely to get for him has plunged to as low as £20million, because potential suitors know Mancini wants rid.
Van Persie has two seasons left on his current Gunners contract, making him ripe for a big-money bid in the summer.