The Mirror reports that City are ahead of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus and Anzhi Makhachkala in the race to sign Van Persie.
City are ready to make an opening bid of £20million for Van Persie.
The Dutchman has just a year left on his current contract Arsenal.
Anzhi Makhachkala are reportedly prepared to offer Van Persie a massive £300,000-a-week deal, but the striker is now keen on a move to Russian football.
