Van Persie, who with 30 goals was the Premier League’s top goalscorer last season, is making the move to Old Trafford, pending a medical.
The deal is reportedly worth £23m and will come as no surprise to supporters after the Arsenal captain made his intentions clear with a July statement in which said he wanted to win trophies and that he and the club “in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward”.
He refused to extend his contract, which has less than 12 months to run, essentially forcing Arsenal’s hand as the club did not want to lose him as a Bosman free agent.
United star Wayne Rooney, who van Persie is a fan of, said he would relish playing alongside the Dutchman.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Rooney said. “He’s been amazing for Arsenal over many years. If he does come here, he would be a great addition to the squad.”
And United midfielder Michael Carrick was equally excited.
“He had a terrific season and he will further strengthen our squad,” Carrick said. It is a great boost going into the new season. He is a world-class player and we have always been about bringing in players of that ability.”
Arsenal fans, as you’d imagine, were not happy with the news.
One tweeted: “I have one Arsenal jersey with your name on the back, @Persie_Official. I will spit on it before I burn it.”
