Another protracted transfer saga for the Arsenal fans is over after Manchester United announced they had agreed a deal with the Gunners to sign Robin Van Persie.
The Dutchman's position at Arsenal was deemed untenable 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.
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.
Arsenal, however, are in a much stronger position than last year when they saw Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave at the end of the transfer window for Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Wenger has already brought in Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla and is scouring the rest of Europe in search of more gems.
While most Arsenal fans will be glad the transfer saga is over, they will be looking to the club to see who they replace Van Persie with. A convincing signing on the lines of a Fernando Llorente or a Robert Lewandowski will go a long way in appeasing the supporters as the Gunners look forward to what promises to be a very interesting season ahead.
