Welcome to Manchester! Sir Alex Ferguson gets his man as Manchester United confirm Van Persie to have medical ahead of £24m move
Manchester United have confirmed that Arsenal captain Robin van Persie will join the club, subject to a medical.
The Dutchman will arrive in Manchester on Thursday with the hope of sealing his £24million switch before the season starts on Saturday.
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Arsenal had been keen to keep hold of last season’s top scorer int he Premier League, but have caved under pressure from the player, who released a statement last month expressing his desire to leave the club
The 29-year-old will meet with United in the next 48 hours to discuss personal terms and have a medical.Arsenal captain Van Persie announced in July he would not extend his current deal, which expires in June 2013.
“Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement for the transfer of Robin Van Persie,” the club said in a statement.
“The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
United will pay £22.5m, with a further £1.5m one-off bonus to follow if they win a Premier League or Champions League title in the next four years.
It is understood Arsenal were willing to make Van Persie their highest-ever paid player, but never actually offered him a new contract.
The Netherlands international scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season, including two against Manchester United.
Manchester United Transfer News: Van Persie travel to Manchester today for sign
Sir Alex Ferguson first confirmed United’s bid for Van Persie on 20 July but Arsenal dismissed the offer which fell short of their valuation. Last week the Manchester United boss admitted that attempts to sign the forward from Arsenal had stalled.
“We’ve made a bid, they [Arsenal] have been trying to negotiate with other clubs,” said Ferguson.
“I don’t have a gut feeling about it. We can’t get a breakthrough with Arsenal.”
“Arsenal Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for the transfer of Robin van Persie to Manchester United,” the Arsenal statement said. “Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday in order to agree to personal terms and complete a medical ahead of the proposed move.”
