Arsenal striker set for medical as Man United deal moves closer

Thursday, August 16, 2012
7:37 AM

Transfer news: Robin van Persie will sign for Red Devils within 24 hours

Manchester United hope to conclude the transfer of Robin van Persie from Arsenal tomorrow after confirming they had agreed a fee with the Gunners for last season’s Golden Boot winner.

One of this summer’s long-running transfer sagas is now reaching its conclusion, with van Persie set to undergo part of his medical today before tying up the loose ends of his switch to Old Trafford in 24 hours time.

Van Persie’s arrival, which could cost United anything between £15million and £24million depending upon who you listen to, is a major coup for Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 29-year-old Dutchman, who missed his country’s defeat to Belgium last night, had been coveted by Manchester City, whose manager Roberto Mancini spoke in glowing terms about him last week.

It has been suggested van Persie will sign a four-year contract with the Red Devils, becoming their most significant signing since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham for a club record £30.75million in 2008.

Providing there are no unforeseen hitches, van Persie will go straight into Ferguson’s squad for Monday’s Premier League opener at Everton.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie,” said a club statement.

“The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

The transfer comes at a time when further questions are being raised about the finances available to Sir Alex Ferguson.

It doesn’t come without risk either given Van Persie’s patchy injury record.

His 48 games last season was by far the most during his time at Arsenal.

In only three of his other seven seasons has he featured on more than 35 occasions.

Ferguson will presumably believe he has the resources that will ensure not too much is demanded of van Persie, especially as Danny Welbeck is believed to be on the brink of agreeing a new contract.

And United fans, who over the last few years have become used to seeing all the star names head to Manchester City, will certainly be thrilled by the potential of Wayne Rooney partnering someone who caused such damage to top flight defences, scoring 30 times in an overall tally of 37 last term, despite Arsenal’s obvious inconsistencies.