• Manager flies to Abu Dhabi for talks about new contract • Mancini sure Tevez and Balotelli will stay with champions

Roberto Mancini has flown to Abu Dhabi to discuss Manchester City's summer transfer strategy and his new contract following the club's Premier League title win on Sunday.

The City manager is with David Platt, the first team coach, Brian Marwood, the director of football administration, and the acting chief executive, John MacBeath, for talks which will be led by Khaldoon al-Mubarak, the club chairman.

It is understood that City's prime target this summer is Robin van Persie, and the club have already conducted a thorough assessment of the Dutchman's suitability for Mancini's side.

Eden Hazard, the Lille forward, could become City's first signing after the 21-year-old said on Monday he will be definitely playing in Manchester next season.His proposed £30m-plus fee plus high-end wage demands makes the new champions strong favourites ahead of Manchester United to sign him.

Mancini's own deal has 12 months to run and it is thought he will be offered a new three- or four-year contract worth markedly more than his current £3.5m-a-year salary.

Despite Mubarak stating the club does not need to spend big due to their largely settled squad, Mancini urged the owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, to invest heavily again ahead of the challenge of retaining the title and winning the Champions League next season.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid every year buy two or three players and spend a lot of money. I think for Manchester City it will be the same. We need to improve. We need to have the strength to play Champions League and Premier League."

Regarding Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, who have had difficult seasons, Mancini said: "It's not difficult to manage Tevez. He's a good guy. We had a good relationship always. I don't know why we had that situation in September [when he fell out with the manager], but in the end he's a good guy and a fantastic player.

"Mario has been very clear and I reiterate – Balotelli will remain at Manchester 101%. I am confident he will have a great European Championship. I hope Mario will be the leader of the national team because he is the best Italian striker. He just needs to make his brain work. That is his only problem."