Manchester United agree Robin van Persie deal

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the services of Robin van Persie.

The Dutch international's future has been the subject of much speculation since he informed the Gunners that he would not be renewing his current contract, which has 12 months left to run.

That news alerted United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, as well Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.

However, reports emerged last week that the 29-year-old's preferred destination was United, rather than their rivals and Premier League champions City.

Despite Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger continually insisting that he was eager for his captain to stay at the Emirates Stadium for at least another season, a statement on United's official website this evening revealed that they are now close to securing Van Persie's services.

"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie," read the statement.

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

Van Persie scored 30 Premier League goals for Arsenal last season.