Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero believes Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, who is a target for the Blues, is one of the three best strikers in the world.
Van Persie is out of contract in twelve months time and recently announced he does not plan to sign a new deal at Arsenal, sparking a £25million battle to secure his services this summer.
City are widely seen as one of the frontrunners in the race to sign the 28-year old, and it is believed they will step up their interest after agreeing a deal to sell Emmanuel Adebayor to Tottenham on Friday.
And when asked about who he believed were the top three forwards in the game today, Aguero had no problems mentioning the Netherlands international.
In a video feature on the club's official website, Aguero initially said when asked by a fan to name his top three strikers in the world: "Messi, Messi and Messi."
He then added: "Van Persie, and if I have to choose another, [Cristiano] Ronaldo."
Van Persie is believed to be keen to resolve his future before Arsenal leave for a pre-season tour of Asia later this month. His valuation remains an issue for clubs, however, with the Gunners wanting in the region of £30m.
Both City and rivals Manchester United - along with the likes of Barcelona - are thought to be unprepared to pay that amount for the forward, who turns 29 next month.
AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid have also shown interest.