Manchester United Transfer News: Update on United's Chase for RVP

After it was sensationally reported earlier today (per Manchester Evening News) that Manchester United were looking to try and seal the deal with Arsenal captain Robin van Persie in the next day or so, further light has been shed on the Red Devils' current position.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson—speaking after his side's loss to Barcelona—stated that they had indeed made a bid for the 28-year-old Dutch international, and that the club remains hopeful of landing the star striker.

Per Sky Sports:

"

We have made a bid and they [Arsenal] have been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We just have to persevere.

Hopefully it will come our way. We are trying our best but there is no progress at this moment in time. I cannot give you more information.

It is difficult to say why they are operating this way. I do not know what their thoughts are because they are not giving anything away. 

"

Manchester United appear the favorites to land van Persie after Juventus and Manchester City both reportedly exited the race over the past week or so (per Sky Sports)—leaving Sir Alex Ferguson in pole position to negotiate a deal with the striker.

The Red Devils had previously had a bid of around £16 million rejected by Arsenal (per BBC Sport) but are believed to have made an offer of around £20 million, which could entice the Gunners into selling their captain to Old Trafford.

United are also reportedly set to offer van Persie the £220,000 per week contract that he originally wanted—placing him on the same wage scale as Wayne Rooney—further highlighting their desire to sign him over the summer transfer window. Per The Telegraph:

"

With Manchester City appearing to accept defeat in the race for the Arsenal striker, and Juventus baulking at the player’s wage demands, Manchester United are moving quickly to conclude a deal [for Robin van Persie].

Their willingness to match the £220,000 a week wages earned by Rooney has tipped the balance in their favour.

The financial rewards will be staggering for the 29-year-old Dutchman at Old Trafford, and somewhat unprecedented given the stage of Van Persie’s career.

"

Arsenal still remain tight-lipped about the transfer, as Sir Alex Ferguson indicated—meaning that we are unlikely to hear anything from their end about a deal until a successful transfer has been made or a bid has been rejected.

The Gunners would desperately love to keep their star striker for the upcoming English Premier League season—especially with the opening week less than a month away. However, they do understand that RVP could leave for free at the end of next season if he doesn't sign a new contract, and that they would make no money from that.

Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson are both wise and knowledgeable managers—and it seems both will battle it out for Robin van Persie's services this year. 

This saga is clearly nowhere near finished.

 

Should Manchester United try to sign Robin van Persie for £20 million?

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