Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Sir Alex Confident in Signing of Robin Van Persie

A report by Darren Lewis and David McDonnell in the Daily Mirror claims that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of landing Robin van Persie, Arsenal's want-away striker.

According to the story, sources close to Sir Alex claim that he has privately revealed that he is confident that he will be able to bring van Persie to the club and in doing so beat rivals Juventus and Manchester City to the signature.

Van Persie is coming off the back of a fantastic season in north London, having scored an impressive 37 goals in all competitions and having claimed multiple end-of-season awards.

However, despite being made captain, the player announced his intention to move away from Arsenal this summer, due to his believing that the club had a definite lack of ambition.

A recent report on Goal.com by Wayne Veysey claimed that Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's long-serving manager, wants to keep van Persie at the club this season, running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer.

A transfer would also likely cost United close to £25 million.

The Red Devils have recently been knocked back in the transfer market, having had an eye-catching bid of around £30 million rejected for Sao Paulo's Brazilian phenom Lucas Moura, and it is not yet known if Sir Alex will look to make an improved offer.

Despite a move for van Persie likely being cheaper than one for the teenage Lucas, the Dutchman is to turn 29 years old next month and would have little sell-on factor

United's depth in attacking options would also render the transfer a little confusing for fans.

As always though, tabloid rumours are to be taken with a grain of salt as they often prove less than reliable.