Arsenal Transfer Report: United to Bid for RVP This Week

According to latest reports, Arsenal are getting closer and closer to selling striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United before the start of the English Premier League season.

The 29-year-old's potential move to Old Trafford has been the subject of much speculation and debate, but following the recent communication between Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, it seems that a deal is likely to take place between the two Premier League giants.

Per The Guardian:

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The prospective transfer of Robin van Persie from Arsenal to Manchester United took a significant step forward on Tuesday when negotiations resumed between the Premier League rivals.

Manchester United indicated that they were ready to improve their initial bid of around £12 million, which was rejected, and, while the two clubs remain apart in their valuations, they were locked in talks on Tuesday night.

Arsenal have made it clear that they want at least £20 million for their captain and star player but there is now a hope that, with add-ons, agreement could be reached on a compromise deal.

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The news comes after The Daily Mail indicated that talks had resumed between the two clubs—commenting that since negotiations have begun, Manchester United should be submitting a serious offer for the Dutch international some time this week.

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United took a significant step towards securing the deal by re-opening discussions with the North London club. Their improved offer, likely to be close to Arsenal’s minimum £20m asking price, is expected to be submitted in the next 48 hours.

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Had this article stood on its own, it might have just been dismissed as another piece of transfer speculation—simply another gossip column trying to entice the reader to believe a nameless source about a ridiculous transfer.

But this is not just a one-off piece, nor does it come after a long period of silence on the matter. The information on Van Persie's potential move to Old Trafford has been relentless, and with more reputable news outlets such as The Guardian stating that the two managers are in discussion, it seems a move by the 29-year-old to United is inevitable.

Arsene Wenger has already emphatically stated he will not be wheeling and dealing once the Premier League season begins (per Goal) meaning that any United bid for Van Persie must take place in the next few days.

Arsenal's season begins with a home match against Sunderland on August 15. If United are serious about acquiring the Dutch striker this year, they must therefore make their move before that date—giving them four days to put together a bid.

All reports suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson will to just that, though you can never truly know what might take place in the summer transfer window. 

It's not called the silly season for nothing.

 

What are your thoughts on the Robin van Persie to United situation?

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