Robin van Persie should pick Manchester United over Manchester City, according to former Blues defender Danny Mills and ex-Reds star Gary Pallister.
Both Manchester clubs and Juventus have placed bids to buy the Arsenal striker.
But Pallister thinks Van Persie, 28, might suffer from City's squad rotation, while Mills says United are better placed to challenge in Europe.
"Strikers get frustrated at City and I don't think Van Persie would be rotated as much at United," said Pallister.
"Van Persie has proven he is top quality and I don't think he would have any problem establishing a lethal partnership with Wayne Rooney.
"So if it's for footballing reasons, then I think Manchester United would be the ideal place for him."
Dutch striker Van Persie has a year left on his contract at Arsenal but said he does not plan to sign an extension.
He is now faced with a choice between Italian champions Juventus; Premier League champions City or a United side which lost the title by goal difference on the last day of the season.
Arsenal says all three clubs have been short in their valuation of last season's Premier League's top scorer.
It is understood Arsenal are reluctant to enter formal negotiations until a bid exceeds £20m and they are hopeful of holding out for £25-30m.
Despite City's growing credentials, Mills still regards United as a bigger force in Europe having reached the Champions League final twice in the last four seasons.
"Manchester United is still, in terms of club, bigger on a worldwide basis," Mills told BBC Sport. "Manchester City is still up and coming.
