Manchester United just went up in the queue of favorites for the English Premier League title by announcing they had agreed a deal with Arsenal for striker Robin Van Persie.
That announcement saw a protracted saga come to an end, ever since Van Persie, who had just one year remaining on his contract, announced he would not be signing a new deal with the Gunners on July 4.
Juventus were initially believed to be the frontrunners, but the match-fixing turmoil surrounding their manager put that deal to rest, while Manchester City, the club that Arsenal players have moved to a lot in the past, found it hard to let go of their high-earning members, before putting in a proper bid for the prolific Dutchman.
Sir Alex Ferguson repeatedly admitted his interest in the player that scored 37 goals in all competitions last season, and has finally got the 29-year-old after an intense round of negotiations over the last couple of days.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie," a statement on United's website said.
"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."
A transfer fee was not announced, but is believed to be somewhere around the £20 million ($31.3 million) mark, with further payments based on appearances and success. Van Persie will reportedly be one of the highest earners at the club on par with the likes of Wayne Rooney.
The signing will come as quite a pleaser for United fans who have been worried about the club's financial standing ever since the takeover of the Glazer family. Ferguson will also be delighted with the purchase, after the Scot was left frustrated with missing out on several summer targets, including Eden Hazard and Lucas Moura.
Arsene Wenger did not initially want to sell to a direct rival, but it is understood a personal call from Ferguson has helped in changing the Frenchman's mind. The lukewarm reception received by Van Persie from the Arsenal fans during the pre-season friendly against FC Koln also played a big part in convincing Wenger to let go of his best striker.
Former Manchester United player Viv Anderson was delighted with the signing. "I think he's a great acquisition, a fantastic and exciting signing," Anderson told the club's official website.
"He's an established Premier League player. He can play out wide, off another forward or on his own up front, and he scores goals - 37 of them last season.
"I know he's 29 and you're not going to get the money back for him, but it's about the next couple of seasons. If we win the league and Champions League, it's money well spent.
"If he, Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck are all scoring goals, everyone will really sit up and take notice. I think we've got a great chance this season.
"City would have paid anything to get him there, so it can't be about money. He wants to play for United and be a part of the tradition of this club - and that says a lot."