LONDON - Manchester United completed the signing of Robin van Persie from Arsenal late yesterday after the Premier League rivals reached an agreement over the sale of the Netherlands striker.

Both clubs released statements on their websites on Wednesday saying personal terms still needed to be finalized and that a deal was subject to a medical examination.

No financial details were disclosed by either United or Arsenal, although British media has reported that the London club wanted 20 million pounds (US$31.3 million) for its captain, who has one year left on his contract.
“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 be traveling to Manchester to go and finalize a few personal terms and complete his medical tests ahead of the proposed move.”

Arsenal hasn’t won a trophy since 2005 and has been unable to keep hold of its leading players in recent seasons, with midfielders Cesc Fabregas joining Barcelona and no fewer than four players have left for Premier League champion Manchester City - Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy - since 2009.

Van Persie, he will join a star-studded strikeforce that already includes England internationals Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, Mexico forward Javier Hernandez and former Bulgaria international Dimitar Berbatov.

Berbatov would be the player likely to make way for Van Persie, as United looks to regain the English title from City after missing out on goal difference last season. – Nampa/AFP